Effect of Extraction Methods on the Storage and Physico-Chemical Properties of Castor Bean (Ricinus communis) and physic Nut (Jatropha curcas) Oils
Fatai Abiola Lateef & Chidimma Peace Asadu
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Chemistry/ Biochemistry Unit
Federal Polytechnic P.M.B 1037 Idah, Kogi State, Nigeria
Email: peacechidi04@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Castor bean (R. communis) and Physic nut (J. curcas) are multipurpose shrub with a variety of applications and enormous economic potential for seeds oils, which can be converted into biodiesel (an alternative to petrol diesel), biolubricant, transformer oil etc. . This study investigates the effect of extraction methods on the properties of Castor and physic nut oils obtained from two non-edible indigenous plants in Idah, Kogi state, Nigeria. The oils of Castor bean and Physic nut were extracted by two different methods; solvent using soxhlet extractor and mechanical press. The physico- chemical properties of the oils such as moisture content (%), specific gravity, acid value (mg KOH/ g), refractive index, saponification value (mg KOH/ g), peroxide value (meq/kg) and iodine value (g/100g) were also determined within a period of six months. For castor oil the values ranged from 11.77-13.33; Nil – 2.86 (%); 0.8852 – 0.8900; 0.9507-0.9572; 5.07-8.67; 0.87-2.10 (mg KOH/ g); 1.4680-1.4586; 1.4770-1.4694; 178.03-154.90; 173.91-146.68 (mg KOH/ g); 3.57-7.77; 1.18-2.80 (meq/kg); 82.83-90.35; 81.24-89.64 (g/100 g) for solvent and mechanical press extraction methods respectively. For J. curcas oil, values range from 12.96-14.00; 2.00-3.77(%); 0.8778-0.8850; 0.9177-0.9246; 10.37-18.52; 11.50- 19.66 (mg KOH/ g); 1.4646-1.4541; 1.4688-1.4587; 208.55-176.45; 203.06-170.68 (mg KOH/ g); 6.31-9.65; 6.73-10.32 (meq/kg); 95.11-100.92; 93.35- 98.51 (g/100g) for solvent and mechanical press extraction methods respectively. The values obtained in this study are within the standard range, whereas some have about 1% variation. The oils of castor bean and physic nut are non edible because they contain toxic substances; ricin, ricinine and phorbol esters respectively; but can be used for energy application, soap production, shampoo production, lubricant e.t.c.
