Extraction Characterization of Ackee Seed Oil and its Biodiesel Value.

The research work is focused on the extraction and characterization of the oil and biodiesel obtained from Achee (Blighia sapida) seeds. N-hexane was used as solvent in the extraction of oil from ackee apple seed. The oil was characterized for yield, relative density, free fatty acid value, acid value, iodine value, and saponification value. The values obtained were: oil yield 19.51 %, relative density 0.91 g/cm3, free fatty acid value 1.06 mgKOH/g oil, acid value 2.12 mgKOH/g oil, iodine value 38.36mg iodine/100 g oil and saponification value 195.74 mg KOH/g oil. The results obtained for characterization for fuel properties of ackee seeds oil biodiesel are: boiling point 56°C, flash point 116°C, cloud point 2°C, pour point 4°C. Though the oil yield was low, the figure obtained for acid value affirmed that the ackee seed oil is not useful in the food industry as the extracted oil has a high acid value which makes it unfit for consumption. The oil however, has advantages over other edible seed oils as it is a waste material that is readily available and sustainable; thus, its use in bioresin production will not compete for its use as edible oil. Furthermore, the values obtained for iodine value and saponification value shows that ackee apple seed oil is suitable for bio-resin production.  The study has contributed to the broader understanding of utilizing natural resources efficiently and underscores the need for continued exploration into the diverse applications of agricultural by-products.