Optimization of desalting process of salted Apostichopus japonicus by response surface methodology

In order to improve the desalting efficiency and reduce the nutrient losses of salted Apostichopus japonicus, the desalting process was adopted in still water under atmospheric.The optimization of desalted temperature, solid to solvent ratio, desalting time and water changing times based on desalination rate of salted Apostichopus japonicus was performed using combination of one-factor-at-a-time method and response surface methodology.The results showed that desalination rate was affected in decreasing order by the three factors: solid to solvent ratio, desalting time and water changing times. A desalted temperature of 25 ℃, solid to solvent ratio of 1 ∶ 4.3 g/m L, desalting time of 240 min and water changing times of 2 proved optimal.Experiments carried out under the optimized conditions led to a desalination rate of 85.98% ± 0.22%, good agreement with the predicted value.