Ethanol distillation is the key step to extract phytochemicals from sargassum $($Flavonoids$,$ saponins, tannins$,$ phenolic acids, alkaloids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides$).$ This is just one stage in the entire process of producing a sargassum$-$based biofertilizer. During the distillation stage, the shredded sargassum is mixed with ethanol and heated until evaporation, allowing the phytochemicals to transfer into the solvent.

These phytochemicals are key in providing the pertinent properties to the biofertilizer.

Inputs and Outputs in the Distillation Process

Input to the distiller: $296\mathrm{.}5$ kg of ethanol and $148\mathrm{.}32$ kg of ground sargassum

Output from the distiller: $192\mathrm{.}82$ kg of ethanol and $2\mathrm{.}4$ kg of phytochemicals

Waste output: $145\mathrm{.}92$ kg of sargassum and $103\mathrm{.}82$ kg of ethanol

Process temperature: $29\backslash$deg C

Consider the Following Scenario and Answer the Questions:

If the concentration of phytochemicals is changed during distillation:

a$)$ Would the product meet market specifications?

b$)$ Would it positively or negatively affect sustainability principles?

c$)$ What would be the advantages, disadvantages, variables, and design adjustments that you would need to consider?