Oil Extraction from Edible Oilseeds; Irvingia gabonensis, Citrullus lanatus and Telferia occidentalis and Evaluation in Metallic Soap Preparation
E. A. Essien *
Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Cyprus International University, Mersin 10, Turkey
A. U. Akpan
Department of Biochemistry, University of Uyo. P.M.B. 1017. Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
U. J. Etim
School of Science, State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil, Laboratory of Catalysis, China University of Petroleum, Huadong, PRC, China
I. U. Udoekpo
Department of Chemistry, University of Uyo. P.M.B. 1017. Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The extraction of oils from Irvingia gabonensis, Citrullus lanatus and Telferia occidentalis in organic solvents was carried out. Oil compositional analysis was done with Gas Chromatography (GC), results revealed varying compositions of fatty acids as major constituents of the produced oils. Oil of Irvingia gabonensis was mainly saturated whereas those of Citrullus lanatus and Telferia occidentalis were mainly unsaturated. The produced oils were applied in the production of metallic soaps. Oils of Citrullus lanalus and Telferia occidentalis showed high affinity to copper over zinc and nickel as indicated in high metallic content of the metal in the soap. Irvingia gabonensis seeds oil showed low affinity for metallic soap production which could be due to high saturation of fatty acid. Comprehensive and comparable analysis of the physiochemical properties of the oils from individual seeds showed different characteristics which is indicative of potential applications. From results of analysis extracted oils of Citrullus lanatus and Telferia occidentalis seeds have potentials for metallic soap preparation while Irvingia gabonensis have potential for other applications.
Keywords: Oilseeds, extraction, physiochemical properties, metallic soap