Effect of electric field strength on anthocyanin electromigration in an electrodialysis with filtration membrane (EDFM) system

In the present work, a systematic study of the effects of electric field strength (EFS ; 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 V cm -1 ) on the performances of electrodialysis with filtration membranes (EDFM) was carried-out for the first time during cranberry juice enrichment. The migration of anthocyanins was monitored alongside changes in juice composition, pH, and conductivity. The integrity of ion-exchange (IEM) and filtration membranes (FM) was also assessed through conductivity, thickness, and color measurements. From these results, it appeared that increasing the electric field up to 10 V cm -1 enhanced anthocyanin migration in the enriched juice, but higher EFS led to severe water splitting and anion-exchange membrane deterioration, reducing process efficiency. A radar plot integrating process performance parameters identified 5–10 V cm -1 as the optimal range for maximizing anthocyanin migration while preserving membrane integrity. • Anthocyanin migration increased with electric field from 2.5 to 10 V/cm. • A plateau occurred beyond 10 V/cm due to WS and membrane damage. • WS occurred first at AEM, then CEM, near 10 V/cm. • Optimal range: 5–10 V/cm for anthocyanin migration and process efficiency.