How do you calculate moisture content of water activity?

Since water activity is the ratio of the water vapor pressure of the sample to the water vapor pressure of pure water under the same conditions, it is also equal to the equilibrium relative humidity, ERH (expressed in %), divided by 100. Two types of instruments are used to measure water activity.

What is the difference between moisture content and water absorption?

Summary – Moisture Content vs Water Content The key difference between moisture content and water content is that moisture content determines the amount of water vapour and other volatile components present in a sample, whereas water content determines the amount of water in a sample.

How does moisture content affect shelf life of fish?

The deterioration of fish koya due to its caking started at moisture content of 7.60 g H2O 100 g–1 solids. The shelf-life of fish koya packed in metalized plastic and stored at 30 °C was reduced with increase in relative humidity (RH); the shelf- life was 234 d at 75 % RH; 203 d at 80 % RH; and 180 d at 85 % RH.

What is the relationship between water activity and relative humidity?

Water activity is equal to equilibrium relative humidity divided by 100: (a w = ERH/100) where ERH is the equilibrium relative humidity (%). Relative humidity sensors of great variety are available for this purpose, including electric hygrometers, dewpoint cells, psychrometers, and others.

What is the difference between water activity and moisture?

Moisture content defines the amount of water in your food and ingredients, but water activity explains how the water in your food will react with microorganisms.

Why is water activity 0.6 important?

If the water activity is above 0.6, but below 0.75, molds will be able to grow whereas bacteria can’t yet. And even though a lot of molds and yeasts can grow grow at a water activity value lower than 0.75, a lot of these can’t produce these toxins at such a low water activity.

What is the difference between moisture and humidity?

Moisture represents the presence of a liquid containing trace amounts of water. Humidity, on the other hand, is the concentration of water vapor in a gaseous state, present in the air.

Is moisture same as water?

Moisture is the presence of a liquid, especially water, often in trace amounts. Small amounts of water may be found, for example, in the air (humidity), in foods, and in some commercial products. Moisture also refers to the amount of water vapor present in the air.

What is the relationship between moisture content and microbial activity in fish?

The water activity (aw) played an important factor in fish spoilage and the growth of different microorganisms depends on its rate. If the aw reduced to 0.6, the growth of bacteria and moulds can be prevented.

Which food has the least water activity?

The aw at which no microorganisms grow (<0,6) Crackers, dried pasta, dried spices, and flour are examples of foods that can have such a low water activity. Because of their low water activity, spoilage by microorganisms isn’t a concern as long as they are stored properly.

Is humidity same as relative humidity?

Humidity is the amount of moisture or water present in the air in the form of water vapors. It is measured in grams of water in a letter of air (mass/volume). Relative humidity is the percentage of the moisture against the highest possible level of moisture in the air at a specific temperature.

Is moisture content free water?

Moisture content is typically given as a percentage in terms of weight. Water Activity (aW) is a measure of the free water in a sample, and ranges between 0…1. Pure water would have an aW of 1.0. Interestingly Water Activity is related to Moisture Content but it is product and temperature specific.

How does a flying fish get out of the water?

Instead they propel themselves out of the water at speeds of more than 35 miles (56 kilometers) an hour. Once in the air, their rigid “wings” allow them to glide for up to 650 feet (200 meters). The winglike pectoral fins are primarily for gliding—the fish hold the fins flat at their sides when swimming.

Which is better moisture content or Karl Fischer?

Moisture content analysis provides the total amount of water but does not differentiate the type of water. Karl Fischer titrations are effective at quantifying even the tightly “bound” water and are often considered a better moisture analysis method than loss on drying.

How tall can a flying fish fly in the air?

Flying fish are ray-finned fish with highly modified pectoral fins. Despite their name, flying fish aren’t capable of powered flight. Instead they propel themselves out of the water at speeds of more than 35 miles (56 kilometers) an hour. Once in the air, their rigid “wings” allow them to glide for up to 650 feet (200 meters).

When to use moisture content or water activity?

Moisture Content vs Water Activity: Use Both to Optimize Food Safety and Quality Foods % Moisture Apple 84 Orange 87 Grapes 81 Strawberry 92