Extraction and Characterization of Bio-oil from Phoenix Dactylifera L. (Date Palm Seed)

Abstract

The study was carried out to extract oil from phoenix dactylifera L. (date palm seed) collected from Katsina town, Katsina State, Nigeria. Physicochemical parameters such as oil and moisture content, acid and saponification value were also determined. The sample was thoroughly cleaned and dried under shade for six (6) weeks. It was then crushed into powder using crushing machine. The extraction of oil from the ground seeds was done using n-hexane through soxhlet extraction method. The results showed that the percentage of oil yield was 28 % and the observed color of the oil was pale yellow with a mild nutty odor. The extracted oil was found to have a pH of 6.1 and a refractive index of 1.463.