Comparative Modelling, Sensitivity Analysis and Thermodynamics Study of the Adsorption Characteristics of Dried Nauclea latifolia Medicinal Leaves

The adsorption characteristics of Nauclea latifolia medicinal leaves were examined across selected temperatures (30–50°C) and water activity levels (0.044–0.900) to assess its storage stability. Both univariate semi-empirical and multivariate statistical models were comparatively employed to represent and predict the observed adsorption characteristics. Additionally, sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the dependence of the adsorption characteristics (that is, equilibrium moisture content (EMC (g/g d.b.)) on temperature and water activity storage factors. The net isosteric heat and entropy of adsorption were also determined alongside compensation theory values. The results indicated that EMC decreased with increasing temperature and increased with rising water activity. The minimum and maximum EMC values of 0.015 and 0.221 g/g d.b. were observed at 50°C. The safe moisture content for storing dried Nauclea latifolia medicinal leaves was 12.6 (g/g d.b.) at 30 to 40 °C and 9 (g/g d.b.) at 50°C. Amongst the models tested, the Peleg model demonstrated best performance, with its R² values ranging from 0.9897 to 0.994 and RMSE values between 0.0039 and 0.0129. Sensitivity analysis revealed that EMC is more sensitive to water activity than to temperature. The net isosteric heat and entropy of adsorption decreased with increasing EMC, indicating that the process was enthalpy-driven. In conclusion, the findings underscore the importance of environmental management in maintaining the storage properties of Nauclea latifolia medicinal leaves. The results of the models are useful in guiding the optimal storage conditions and the design of tailored storage facilities for Nauclea latifolia medicinal leaves.