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Extraction and Characterization of Oil from Desert Date Seed ( Balanites Aegyptiaca

Gana Joseph

Abstract

The extraction and characterization of oil from the seeds of the desert date (Balanites aegyptica), is the main objectives of this research. The desert date is an underappreciated plant resource that thrives in arid and semi-arid settings. Its potential as a viable oil source was highlighted by the successful extraction of oil from the dried, crushed seeds using solvent extraction (mostly n-hexane utilizing Soxhlet equipment), which produced a large oil content ranging normally from 40% to 50% (dry weight basis). A thorough physiochemical characterization was performed on the extracted crude oil. Specific gravity, viscosity, refractive index, moisture content, ash content, acid value, free fatty acid (FFA) content, peroxide value (PV), iodine value (IV), saponification value (SV), and unsaponifiable matter were among the important characteristics that were assessed. These evaluations validated the fundamental quality of the oil as a suitable feedstock for biofuel and biodiesel production due to its high lipid content. The oil is also rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins making it beneficial for skin care and other cosmetics production.

Keywords

ExtractionCharacterizationDesert daten-hexanePhysiochemicalPhytochemical

References

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