Characterization of Watermelon (Citrullus Vulgaris) and Calabash (Lagenaria Vulgaris) Seeds Oil as Potential Feedstock for Biodiesel Production

Authors

  • Garba, N.A. Federal University Gusau
  • Shehu, S. Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
  • Mathew, D. C. Niger Delta University

Keywords:

Watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris), Calabash (Lagenaria vulgaris), proximate analysis, physicochemical analysis, crude lipid, biodiesel

Abstract

Potential of oilseeds for liquid transport fuel (biodiesel) is based on the knowledge of their oil characterization. In this paper, the proximate composition and oil characteristics of Watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris) and Calabash (Lagenaria vulgaris) seeds were studied using standard methods and considered alongside their yields to assess their suitability as feedstock for large-scale biodiesel production. The whole seeds were sorted, de-shelled, dried, milled, sieved and oil was extracted from the seeds using Soxhlet extractor with n-hexane. Results show the watermelon and calabash seeds contains total ash 6.70±0.10% and 6.0±1.02%; moisture, 4.00±2.16% and 2.39±0.14%; crude lipid, 41.05±1.30% and 58.0±3.57%; crude protein, 30.63±0.40% and 21.28±2.2%, respectively. The percentage extracted oil yield was found to be 48% and 40.5% for watermelon and calabash seeds respectively. These show that both
watermelon and calabash seed have good oil yields and may have potentials for biodiesel production.

Author Biographies

Garba, N.A., Federal University Gusau

Department of Biochemistry, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria

Shehu, S., Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

Department of Bıochemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria

Mathew, D. C., Niger Delta University

Department of Agricultural & Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

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Published

2020-10-08

How to Cite

Garba, N.A., Shehu, S., & Mathew, D. C. (2020). Characterization of Watermelon (Citrullus Vulgaris) and Calabash (Lagenaria Vulgaris) Seeds Oil as Potential Feedstock for Biodiesel Production. International Journal of Science for Global Sustainability, 6(3), 6. Retrieved from https://fugus-ijsgs.com.ng/index.php/ijsgs/article/view/94

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 3 (2020): INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENCE FOR GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY (IJSGS)

Section

Articles