1.1 Introduction
The African black pear (Darcryodes edulis) also called African plum or bush butter is an indigenous fruit tree of tropical Africa. When in season, the fruit pulp constitutes an important and much cherished local delicacy. It is consumed after tenderizing the fresh fruit by either dipping it in hot water or in hot ash and consumed with or without corn in Nigeria (Scialert, 2021). The papaya is the plant Carica papaya, one of the 22 accepted species in the genus Carica of the family Caricaceae. Orange is from the citrus family, the fruit size varies with cultivar and crop load, but most often measures between 2.5-4 inches in diameter. The shape of the fruit is spherical to oblong, with a peel thickness between that of grape fruit and tangerine and is either smooth or roughly pebbly. The presence and amount of seed, depends also on the cultivar (Nwobi et al., 2006).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The extraction and commercialization of these oils will reasonably enhance the profit status of most fruit juice making industries and encourage the sustenance of the cultivation of the seedy species of sweet orange fruits. The extraction and characterization of oils from fruit seeds have been carried out extensively, but not much data is available on the physio-chemical properties of the oil from the seed of African sweet orange, despite an initial attempt by some authors who worked on the seeds of orange and closely related lime seeds (Nwobi et al., 2006).
The chemical composition of the oil extract consequently gives a qualitative identification of oils and is a very important area in the selective application guide for the commercialization and utility of oil products. Fats and oils are also very important indigenous raw materials for many edibles and non-edible purposes (Abbas Ali et al., 2008).
Orange is from the citrus family, the fruit size varies with cultivar and crop load, but most often measures between 2.5-4 inches in diameter. The shape of the fruit is spherical to oblong, with a peel thickness between that of grape fruit and tangerine and is either smooth or roughly pebbly. The presence and amount of seed, depends also on the cultivar (Nwobi et al., 2006).
However in other to make a more efficient use of papaya and orange, it is worth investigating the use of the seeds as a source of oil. The extraction and use of vegetable oil has for centuries played an important role in the manufacture of large number of industrial product and food items (puangir et al, 2005)
Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a plant that grows wild in many parts of the tropics. Papaya is important for its fruit and it is cultivated mainly for this purpose (Puangsri et al., 2005). It varies in size, most are oblong, globular or round, often five angled and narrowed at the tip. The inside hollow of the fruit is lined with numerous dark grey seeds. The seeds of papaya and orange fruits are generally discarded. However, in order to make a more efficient use of papaya and orange, it is worth investigating the use of the seeds as a source of oil. The extraction and use of vegetable oils has for centuries played an important role in the manufacture of a large number of industrial products and food items (Puangsri et al., 2005).
Kar and Mital (1999) reported that shea butter is a natural fat obtained from the seeds of the shea tree Butyrespermum parkii. The shea butter fat was extracted from the seeds with various organic solvents, namely petroleum ether, n-hexane, chloroform and benzene. It was concluded that these solvents, particularly petroleum ether and n hexane, could be used for the extraction of shea butter that is free from any oxidized fat and colouring impurities. Akpan et al. (1999) carried out extraction, characterization and modification of castor seed oil and reported that tested parameters which include specific gravity, refractive index, acid value, saponifiation value and iodine value for both crude and refined castor oil produced were of good quality. In fact the iodine value obtained (84.8) for the refined oil indicates that the oil could certainly be used as a lubricant, hydraulic brake fluid and protecting coatings (Kyari, 2008).
Oil yielding crop plants are actually very important for economic growth of agricultural sector. The oilseeds containing unusual fatty acids are very important for industry; they can be used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents, soaps, textiles, surfactants (Hosamani and Sattigeri, 2000). On the other hand, no oil from a single source has been found to be suitable for all purposes because oils from different sources generally differ in their composition. This requires the search for new sources of novel oils. Several plants are now growing, not only for food and fodder, but also for a striking range of products with an industrial application (Miladi et al., 2007).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Extraction and Characterization of Orange Seed, African Pear and Pawpaw Seed Oil.
1.3 Statement of Problem
Orange seeds, African pear and paw paw seeds are normally discarded and assumed to be a waste product, but the oil from the seed of paw paw, pear and orange has been reported to be useful in pharmaceutical industries, consumerist soaps, textile and detergent industries. These has promoted for a research work to be carried out on the extraction of oil from the seed of paw paw and orange.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to determine the Extraction and Characterization process of Orange Seed, African Pear and Pawpaw Seed Oil. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To determine the nutritive value of orange seed and compare the physicochemical properties of oils extracted from orange seed, African pear and pawpaw seed oil
- To investigate the use of the seeds as a source of oil and also diversify the uses of this oils thereby increasing earnings for local farmers as well as encouraging cultivation of Orange, African Pear and Pawpaw.
- To expand the knowledge of fatty acid composition of orange, african pear, and pawpaw seed oil, and evaluating its potential application in synthesis of surface coating driers.
1.5 Significance of Study
This will help to diversify the uses of this oils thereby increasing earnings for local farmers as well as encouraging cultivation of Orange Seed, African Pear and Pawpaw Seed.
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.6 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Extraction and Characterization of Orange Seed, African Pear and Pawpaw Seed Oil. The orange seeds, African pear and pawpaw seeds were collected from homes within the University of Benin (UNIBEN).
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
