Identification of Antioxidant Additives in Food Products Sold in Dakar Markets

The use of food additives in industrial production has the advantage of improving sensory properties, technological quality and extending the shelf life of foods. Among the most widely used additives are antioxidants, which prevent oxidation, browning and rancidity reactions in foods. However, the strong presence of these additives on the market is not without risks for human health, and should be controlled to guarantee food safety. Analysis of the risks associated with consumption of foods containing these additives requires, among other things, information on the frequency of use of these additives in various consumer products. The aim of this study is therefore to identify the antioxidants present in industrial food products distributed in Dakar. The methodology adopted consists of a qualitative analysis based on the identification of additives from food labels. Investigations were carried out in 9 stores, 4 superettes and 2 supermarkets located in different districts of Dakar. The results revealed the presence of 12 antioxidant additives, dominated by citric acid (53%) and ascorbic acid (29%). These studies have also highlighted the simultaneous use of several antioxidants in the same food product. Moreover, for some artificial antioxidants identified antioxydant such as BHA and BHT, health risks are associated with their consumption. The results of this study open up prospects for the development of information databases on food additives.

Improving the Quality of Baobab Oil by Filtration on Activated Carbon from the Fruit Capsules

The baobab, Adansonia digitata L., plays an important role in the economy of local populations. Nowadays, baobab seed oil is highly prized for its many cosmetic and therapeutic applications, and for its composition of unsaturated fatty acids, sterols, and tocopherols. However, it undergoes numerous reactions during production, processing, transport, and storage, leading to undesirable products that make it unstable. The aim of this study was to provide local processors with innovative solutions for the treatment of unrefined vegetable oils. To this end, an experimental device for filtering crude oil on activated carbon made from fruit capsules was designed. The results obtained after the treatment show a significant decrease at (p < 5%) in acid value (1.62 to 0.58 mg KOH/g), peroxide value (4.40a to 0.50c mEqO2/Kg), chlorophyll concentration (1.81 to 0.50 mg/Kg) and primary and secondary oxidation products. According to these results, activated carbon’s adsorptive power eliminates oxidation products and certain pro-oxidants such as chlorophyll, resulting in a cleaner, more stable and better storable oil.

Optimization of the Aqueous Decoction Process of Combretum micranthum Leaves

This work proposes to compare the extraction of total polyphenols and the coloring obtained after several series of decoction at 100°C/20min, of whole or crushed leaves of Combretum micranthum. The total phenolic content of the extracts obtained after decoction was determined by Folin’s method. The color parameters were measured using a colorimeter based on the CIELAB system. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) shows significant differences (p 0.05) on different parameters evaluated. The Minitab 19 software was used to classify the extracts according to the color parameters (L, A, and B). The results showed that the maximum of polyphenols (21.67%) was extracted in the crushed leaves after three series of decoctions while with the whole leaves the maximum of 16.17% is obtained after six series of decoctions. The concentration of total polyphenols becomes low from four series of decoctions with 0.146 g·AG·100 g-1 MS. The red and yellow coloring drops respectively by 85 and 69% with crushed leaves and 64 and 21% with whole leaves. The conductivity and the brix of the extracts fall according to the series of decoctions. These results show that for optimal use of C. micranthum leaves in traditional medicine, crushed leaves and three series of decoctions are indicated and sufficient.

Comparative Effect of Adding Synthetic Citric Acid to Natural Lemon Juice (Citrus aurantiifolia) on the Stability of Hibiscus Drinks Stored at 4°C and 37°C

The general objective of the work is to compare the effect of the addition of synthetic citric acid compared to the addition of natural fruit juice of Citrus aurantiifolia on the conservation of drink based on red chalice H. sabdariffa. The tests were carried out over a period of 5 weeks at 4°C and 37°C with seven batches of beverage samples prepared at the rate of a calyx/water ratio of 1/40 (kg·kg-1) and added respectively citric acid at 1, 2 and 4 g·L-1 and lemon juice at 10, 20 and 40 mL·L-1. The characterization of the different batches of beverages was carried out from day one. A follow-up of the residual anthocyanin content and the intensity of the red coloring were carried out over five weeks. The anthocyanin concentration was determined by the pH-differential method. The red color degradation index is determined based on the CIELAB color system (L*, a*, b* and L*). R and Minitab 18 software was used for data processing. The results of the monitoring of the parameters showed that the concentration of 1 g AC L-1 retains 2.7 mg more of the anthocyanins than adding 10 mL JC L-1 and longer maintains red color when stored at 4°C and 37°C/5 weeks. The 2 g AC L-1 and 4 g AC L-1 ratios have the same effects as the addition of 20 and 40 mL of lemon juice, all accelerating the degradation of anthocyanins and the red color. After 5 weeks of storage at 37°C, the effect of the temperature combined with the increase in the acidity of the samples (2 to 4 g AC L-1 and 20 to 40 ml JC L-1), have accelerated the total disappearance of the red color on all samples.

Effect of Sodium Carbonate on Extraction by Aqueous Decoction of Total Polyphenols from Crushed and Whole Leaves of Combretum micranthum

Sodium bicarbonate is sometimes used to aid in the extraction of total polyphenols. Its main effect is to increase the pH of the extraction solution. Raising the pH can cause changes in the chemical structure of polyphenols. This can lead to variations in their biological properties, solubility and stability. This work studied the effect of sodium carbonate on the extraction by aqueous decoction of total polyphenols from the leaves of Combretum micranthum. The content of total phenolic compounds in the extracts was estimated by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The color of the samples was measured using a colorimeter (type: KONICA MINOLTA. Japan) based on the CIELAB color system. The results obtained were subjected to a one-way ANOVA analysis of variance with R software version 3.2.4 Revised (2018) and Minitab-18 software. The results reveal a drop in the concentration of extracted polyphenols proportional to the addition of sodium carbonate, i.e. a drop from 3.30 to 1.04 mg·AG·100 g-1 of extract on whole leaves and 3.921 to 2.551 mg·AG·100 g-1 extract on crushed leaves. On the other hand, the intensity of the coloring of the extracts increases significantly with the addition of sodium carbonate from 0.0 g·L -1 to 0.666 g·L-1.

Processes for the Clarification of the Crude Oil of Baobab Seeds Extracted by Pressing on Activated Carbon Elaborated from the Capsules of the Fruit (Adansonia digitata L.)

The baobab, Adansonia digitata L. plays an important role in the economy of local populations. The oil from the seeds of the baobab fruit is nowadays highly prized because of its numerous cosmetic and therapeutic applications and its composition of unsaturated fatty acids, sterols and tocopherols. However, unlike refined oils, locally extracted baobab oil has not undergone purification operations to ensure its quality. Only a filtration on special cloths is carried out after decantation. Indeed, the oil obtained after pressing is cloudy because of the presence of various impurities. It therefore requires treatment operations to make it more attractive and of higher quality. Therefore, in order to provide innovative solutions to local companies to improve the quality of vegetable oils, a study of clarification (treatment) of crude oil is necessary. An experimental device has been developed in the laboratory. It includes a glass column and a filter bed of dune sand and activated carbon. This study has shown the efficiency of the experimental device. Indeed, the activated carbon, thanks to its adsorbing power, has allowed a significant decrease in turbidity at the 5% threshold, from 14.61 NTU for the raw oil to 0.08 NTU for the oil filtered on 3% carbon and 0.033 NTU for the oil filtered on 5% carbon. That is to say an abatement higher than 95%. This decrease in turbidity could be correlated with the decrease in brown index from 187.39a for the initial crude oil to 128.53d for the oil treated with 3% activated carbon versus 187.59a for the oil filtered on cloths. The lowest brown index was observed with the filtration using 5% activated carbon (35.99b). Thus, for the yellowness index, only the filtration on 5% charcoal allowed to obtain a significant decrease in yellowness. The yellowing index of the oil with 5% was 44.67b against 79.04a for the oil filtered with 3% activated carbon, 86.33a for the crude oil and 86.46a for the oil filtered on cloths. Finally, the oil sample treated with 5% activated carbon had the clearest clarity than the other samples with a clarity (L) equal to 97.98c against 95.63d for the oil treated with 3% carbon and 94.99b for the oil filtered on filter cloths. According to the results obtained, the experimental device made it possible to obtain a clearer baobab oil with a low brown index, thus improving the sensory quality of the oil.

Antioxidant Activity of Hydro-Acetonic, Hydro-Methanolic and Aqueous Leaf and Bark Extracts of <i>Sclerocaria birrea</i>(A. Rich.) Hochst

Bioactive compounds in plants are associated with the reduction of chronic diseases. The free radical scavenging activity of different extracts of a medicinal plant, Sclerocarya birrea, has been investigated using the DPPH test, ABTS test and FRAP. Three extracts were prepared from the leaves and bark: hydro-methanolic, hydro-acetonic and aqueous. Phytochemical screening was carried out the standard methods followed by the determination of the polyphenol by Folin-Ciocalteu method. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the STATISTICA 7.1 and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Evolution of percent inhibition (PI) as well as the IC50 of the extracts was obtained using the Origin Pro 8.5 software and Microsoft Excel. The results show that the bark extracts are about twice as rich in polyphenols as the leaves. With DPPH at 1.25 mg/mL, the bark has a PI of 91.04% ± 0.001% while leaves, reach 99.80% ± 0.021%. As for the ABTS test, the bark extract reached its maximum activity at 1.25 mg/mL with a PI of 99.80% ± 0.003% while leaves extract greater value of PI is 99.75 ± 0.003 at 2.5 mg/mL. With FRAP test at 1.25 mg/mL, the bark has a PI of 79.29% ± 0.005% while leaves, reach 80.33% ± 0.001%. The IC50 of the bark and leaf extracts on the smallest DPPH are 0.156 ± 0.001 mg/mL in hydro-methanol, 0.301 ± 0.00 mg/mL in hydro-acetone and 0.407 ± 0.00 mg/mL in aqueous extract. With ABTS test, the best IC50 are obtained with hydro-acetone extracts with value of 0.247 ± 0.001 mg/mL for bark and 0.248 ± 0.0005 mg/mL for leaves while in hydro-methanolic and aqueous extracts the best IC50 are respectively 0.255 ± 0.00 mg/mL and 0.463 ± 0.00 mg/mL. Using ascorbic acid as our standard, the PI was 94.86% ± 0.008% with an IC50 of 0.213 ± 0.00 mg/mL. According to these results, the reducing power of the bark is slightly higher than that of the leaves. We can say that the bark has better activity than the leaves and the alcoholic extracts have given better results than the aqueous extract.

Effects of Seed Pretreatment on Germination, Growth and Yield of <i>Momordica charantia</i>L.

Momordica charantia is a plant species widely used in food and traditional medicine. However, the germination techniques and the performances of M. charantia are poorly understood by the populations. This study aims to better understand the germination, growth and development characteristics, and yield of M. charantia. Three pretreatments of the seeds are used for the shortening of the pre-germination period: soaking the seeds in tap water for 24 hours (batch 2), in hot water at 80˚C (batch 3), for 24 hours and in the boiling water at 100˚C for 24 hours (batch 4). A control without soaking (batch 1) was also carried out. The seeds were sown in plastic boxes in the laboratory with sterile sand and directly in the nursery in polyethylene sleeves. The influence of the light factor (light and dark) and watering frequency (every day and every two days) on the growth and yield parameters was evaluated respectively in the laboratory and in the nursery. Germination, growth and yield parameters were determined. The results show that the light and frequency of watering factors have no influence (p > 0.05) on the rate and duration of seed germination unlike pretreatments. Thus, Batch1 and 2 exhibit significantly higher germination rates (70% ± 16%) than Lots 3 and 4 (21% ± 15%) in the laboratory and in the nursery. On the other hand in terms of germination time, batch 3 and 4 displayed shorter durations (14 days) than those batch1 and 2 (23 days). Growth parameters and yield (fruit and seeds) are strongly influenced by watering frequency, unlike pretreatments which only affect yield. Growth and yield parameters are significantly higher with daily watering than daily watering. Ultimately, this study showed that pretreatments have an influence on the duration and rate of germination as well as the frequency of watering on the performance of M. charantia.

Secondary Metabolites and Antioxidant Activity of Different Parts of the Baobab Fruit (<i>Adansonia digitata</i>L.)

The objective of this study was to determine the polyphenol, flavonoid and tannin content and the antioxidant power of methanolic extracts from the different parts of the Senegalese baobab fruit. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponosides, tannins, alkaloids, sterols, flavonoids, coumarins and total sugars in all extracts from the fruit parts. The total polyphenol content was determined by the folin-ciocalteu method. This method is based on the quantification of the total concentration of hydroxyl groups present in the extract. In an alkaline medium, the reagent of folin-ciocalteu, oxidizes the phenols to ion phenolates and partially reduces its hetero-polyacids, hence the formation of a blue complex. The absorbance is read at 765 nm against a control. The Flavonoids vere determined using aluminum trichloride and sodium hydroxide. Aluminum trichloride forms a yellow complex with flavonoids and sodium hydroxyde forms a pink complex absorbing in the visible range at 510 nm. The alternative colorimetric method based on reactions with vanillin in an acidic medium made it possible to determine the tannin content. Absorbances were measured at 500 nm. The results show that the methanolic extracts of the fibers and shell have very high polyphenol, flavonoid and tannin contents. In fact, the polyphenol contents of the fiber (159.00 ± 0.93 μg EAG/mg extract) and shell (155.39 ± 0.89 μg EAG/mg extract) were much higher than those of the pulp (27.21 ± 0.26 μg EAG/mg extract) and seeds (18.36 ± 0.07 μg EAG/mg extract). In addition, the flavonoid contents of the fibers (97.64 ± 0.40 μg EQ/mg) and of the shell (86.18 ± 0.46 μg EQ/mg) were higher than those of the seeds (12.82 ± 0.04 μg EQ/mg) and pulp (5.66 ± 0.18 μg EQ/mg). The tannin contents of the fibers (256.65 ± 1.45 μg EC/mg) and of the shell (196.05 ± 25 μg EC/mg) are higher than those of the pulp (103.09 ± 0.62 μg EC/mg extract) and seeds (1.09 ± 0.04 μg EC/mg extract). The antioxidant activity of extracts from different parts of the baobab fruit has Also been achieved using two different methods (DPPH and FRAP). The trapping capacity of the DPPH radical is very advantageous for the fibers (IC50 = 2.27 μg/mL) and the shell (IC50 = 1.52 μg/mL). The FRAP test has shown that the extracts from the shell (18.47 μg/mL) and fibers (20.00 μg/mL) have a greater iron reduction capacity than that of the standard ascorbic acid (45.64 μg/mL).

Impact of Extraction on Biochemical Properties and Antioxidant Potential of Momordica charantia L. Seeds’ Oil

In this study, the influence of provenance and extraction methods on the physicochemical properties and the antioxidant potential of M. charantia seeds oil were evaluated. The oil is obtained on the one hand by cold extraction with hexane and on the other hand by hot extraction with soxhlet. The results obtained show that the extraction yield is significantly impacted by the extraction methods and the origin of the seeds. In addition, the soxhlet extraction gives a higher oil yield (32.07 ± 0.01). Cold extraction has made it possible to obtain oils with less attenuated physicochemical characteristics. Indeed, the acid numbers are high in the oils extracted by soxhlet (5.92 ± 0.25;4.25 ± 0.62 and 13.86 ± 0.83) than in those cold extracted with very low peroxide for all the oils obtained. On the other hand, the iodine and refractive indices are high in oils obtained cold (91.58 ± 0.85;100.74 ± 0.03 and 102.08 ± 0.28) (1.53 ± 0.01;1.52 ± 0.01 and 1.52 ± 0.01) with low saponification indices. The polyphenol concentrations and the anti-free radical activity are higher with the oils obtained cold (0.086 ± 0.001;0.08 ± 0.000 and 0.09 ± 0.01 mgEAG/g of oil) and (DPPH) (55.75% ± 1.16%;55.03% ± 0.72% and 56.35% ± 0.45%). The color parameters (L*, a* and b*) of the different oils extracted also vary depending on the extraction method used. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and correlation analysis were performed on the physicochemical properties and the antioxidant potential of the extracted oils. Therefore, the results suggest cold extraction to obtain a good quality and oxidation resistant oil.

Optimization of a Tiger Nut-Based Yoghurt Formulation by Response Surface Methodology

Tiger nut is a comestible tuber which offers many under products such as yoghurt. The parameters influencing the quality of yoghurt being numerous, response surface methodology was used to optimize the formulation in order to reach a low intake of milk powder. The volume of tiger nut milk, mass milk powder and sugar mass are the factors monitored while the titratable acidity (AT), pH, dry soluble extract (ESS), ash, viscosity and color are the expected responses in these tests. The data are processed with a degree of confidence p < 0.05 associated with statistical analysis by the software Statgraphic Centurion XVI version 16.2.04. The different tests show that the factors have overall significant effects (p < 0.05) on the acidity, the ashes and the Whiteness index. The linear and quadratic factors of tiger nuts milk as well as those linears of the milk powder have significant effects (p < 0.05) on the pH and the ashes. The linear factors of milk powder have significant effects on DSE, AT and pH. The optimal formulation yielded a volume of tiger nut milk equal to 3.7 L/kg, a mass of powder milk of 63.4 g and 75 g of sugar for one kilogram of yogurt. With a desirability of 75%, this model is apt to explain the results and the experimental values fit with the predicted ones and are within the norms. The proximate analysis of optimal yoghurt formulation shows that fat and proteins contents are respectively 5.67% and 2.2%. Calcium, magnesium and potassium contents are respectively 160, 40 and 180 mg in 100 g of yoghurt.

Evaluation of Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Aqueous Extracts of Three Carica papaya Varieties Cultivated in Senegal

The aqueous extracts of different parts (old leaves (OL), young leaves (YL), peels (PE) and delipidated seed residues (DS)) of three varieties of papaya are studied. Extraction conditions are optimized: an extraction time of 20 minutes, a temperature of 70°C and a plant material/water mixture of 1% give the best yield of polyphenol. The amount of polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins and proanthocyanins of each aqueous extract was investigated. Antioxidant activities are measured using two different methods (DPPH and ABTS). The delipidated seeds (DS) of V1 have the highest total phenolic content (TPC = 72.56 ± 3.16 mg GAE/g) while they have the lowest total flavonoid content (TFC = 0.22 ± 0.01). With regard to saponins, the PE of V3 is much richer in saponins (194.03 ± 15.78 mg AeE/g) than all the other extracts studied. The OL of V2 and PE of V1 contain the most proanthocyanidins with very similar values of 2.51 ± 0.03 mg CE/g and 2.53 ± 0.34 mg CE/g respectively. The study of the antioxidant activities of the extracts showed a correlation between the amount of polyphenols and IC50. DPPH OL and YL V2, which are rich in polyphenols, have the lowest IC50 of 0.072 mg/ml and 0.080 mg/ml respectively, whereas for ABTS we have PE of V1 that is very rich in polyphenols which has the smallest IC50 value of 0.218 mg/ml.

Process Diagnosis and Aging Effects on a Traditional Millet-Based Drink: <i>Boumkaye</i>

Boumkaye is a traditional fermented millet-based drink (Pennisetum glaucum L.) produced in Casamance (region in Senegal). Unknown and circumcised beverage, it has therapeutic properties due to aqueous creeper extracts from Abrus pulchellus plant and naturally present during the process. The objective of this work was to investigate the fabrication process of a millet-based beverage as an alternative source of nutrients. The diagnosis of beverage production by monitoring its physical and chemical parameters during two months of storage at room temperature was studied. The established manufacturing process, composed by a production of aqueous extracts after maceration of the Abrus pulchellus vines, a preparation of millet slurry, and a fermentation step to obtain the Boumkaye, has several features. The study of aging process showed probable lactic and alcoholic fermentations. Further, the finished Boumkaye was characterized by a high acidity (pH of 3), an alcohol content of 5 g/100g and contains an appreciable amount of polyphenols (54.46 mg/100g).

<i>Saba senegalensis</i>: Key Features and Uses

Native of West Africa, Saba senegalensis belongs to the family of Apocynaceae, and is a wild plant that is mainly exploited in the diet. It grows mainly along riverbanks, in wooded savannah areas in humid areas, in gallery forests and in rocky ravines and hills. Saba senegalensis is a large woody liana with white latex, dark gray bark, can reach more than 40 m high and a trunk that can measure up to 47 cm in diameter. The fruit is a globose shell, 7 to 10 cm long, 6 to 8 cm wide. The leaves are opposite, elliptical, dark green in color, about 8 to 15 cm long and 4 to 6 cm wide. This fruit is characterized by its richness in antioxidant molecules especially vitamin C (480 mg/100 g) and total polyphenols (945.83 mg/100 g). The fruit contents 41.43 until 80% water with a low pH (2.24). In Senegal, the fruit is eaten as it or transformed into puree, nectar, syrup, canned etc. It is a plant that has enormous therapeutic virtues, from the fruit to the roots through the leaves, bark, and latex. Despite its high nutritional potential, its many therapeutic virtues and its economic potential, Saba senegalensis remains under-exploited. Further researches on the nutritional and therapeutic properties deserve to be conducted.

Proximate and Major Minerals Components of the Edible Pulp of <i>Momordica charantia</i>Fruit

Momordica charantia (Cucurbitaceae), is a plant commonly used in traditional medicine in Senegal whose fruits are weakly consumed by the population. However, no data exists on the nutritional intake of the latter. This work aims to determine the physicochemical and biochemical characteristics of the pulp of Momordica charantia. The study focused on two lots of fruits from two geographically different regions of Senegal (Dakar and Fatick). The biochemical analyses of the pulp showed average values of protein from 2.39 ± 0.01 g/100 g to 3.19 ± 0.01 g/100 g;reducing sugar from 4.22 ± 0.10 g/100 g to 3.55 ± 0.10 g/100 g;totals sugar from 4.43 ± 0.02 g/100 g to 3.38 ± 0.58 g/100 g. The average contents of polyphenol and flavonoids were respectively from 1.91 ± 0.04 g/100 g to 1.04 ± 0.09 g/100 g and 32.59 ± 0.04 mg/100 g and 20.75 ± 1.19 mg/100 g. According to these results, the fruit of M. charantia may be considered as rich in antioxidant. At the opposite, it is very weak in mineral elements, such as calcium and potassium (1.01 mg/100 g;3.38 mg/100 g). Meanwhile, the seeds content 24% of lipids. Thus, investigations should be done on its biological proprieties, physical and biochemical components.

Traditional Mead “Bessoudioury” from Senegal: Process and Characterization

Mead is a beverage obtained by alcoholic fermentation of honey, with an ethanol content of 8% to 18% by volume. In Africa, mead manufacturing methods rely on heating honey and adding extracts of fruits, herbs or spices. “Bessoudioury” mead is then prepared according to the traditional process of the Bassari and Bedick peoples of Kedougou (Senegal). This work on “Bessoudioury” aims to describe and characterize the manufacturing processes. It was also to evaluate the chemical and microbiological characteristics. The study focused on three Kedougou production sites. The manufacturing process of “Bessoudioury” includes a honey heating, a formulation step by adding wine of either Borassus aethiopicum Mart. or Elaeis guineensis. This step is followed by a fermentation’s one during two days. Wine is considered as the essential sources of yeasts for the production of alcohol. “Bessoudioury” has an ethanol content of 8% (v/v). Moulds and Streptococcus were not detected in this mead. According to its polyphenols content, this mead has a nutritional interest, but the process deserves to be reviewed to preserve nutrients.

Impact of Storage Conditions on the Physicochemical Characteristics of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) Seed Oil

The evolution of some quality markers of baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) was studied. Baobab oil extracted by pressing was packaged in 30 mL non-amber glass bottles and stored at different temperatures: 20°C, 30°C and 45°C. The physicochemical parameters (acid, peroxide, iodine, saponification, refraction and color indices) were determined during three months’ storage. A significant 5% increase in acid, peroxide and saponification value was observed over time. However, the iodine value decreased. The yellowing and refractive index remained stable while storage at 45°C caused the most significant changes in chemical parameters. The results obtained show that oils stored at 20°C had the lowest acid (2.42 ± 0.26 mg KOH/g) and peroxide (0.82 ± 0.25 mEqO2/Kg) value after three months of follow-up.

Valorization of Natural Residue into Activated Carbon:Example of the Shells of the African Baobab Fruit(Adansonia digitata)L.

This study deals with the valorization of natural residues into activated carbon prepared from waste“Baobab fruit shell”from the Fatick Region,Senegal.Thus,after the preparation of the baobab shell,a chemical activation with orthophosphoric acid H3PO4(85%)was performed followed by pyrolysis at 530°C.To eliminate possible carbonization residues,the activated carbons were impregnated in 0.1 M hydrochloric acid and/or soda solutions and then washed thoroughly with distilled water to obtain a pH between 6.5 and 7.The latter were then dried in an oven at 105°C for 24 h.A characterization was carried out to determine the moisture content,the ash content,the iodine and methylene blue indices,the surface functions and the pH at zero charge point(pHpzc).The moisture and ash contents were 1.87%and 0.72%,respectively.The iodine and peroxide indices obtained were 939,09 mg/g and 575.73 mg/g,respectively.Surface function analysis by Boehm’s method showed that the acidic functions were higher than the basic functions and their pHpzc was lower than neutrality.The best efficiency of methylene blue removal was 99.75%and was obtained with a mass of 0.150 g of activated carbon,pH equal to 10,an initial concentration of methylene blue of 200 mg/L and a contact time of 35 min.