In the quest for sustainable and efficient energy sources, researchers have turned their attention to an unlikely candidate: coconut residue. A recent study led by Wanhusnee Che-U-Bong from the Department of Food Science and Technology at Kasetsart University in Thailand has uncovered a promising method to enhance the recovery yield and quality of oil from coconut residue, a by-product of the coconut milk industry. The findings, published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Research (or “Journal of Agricultural and Food Science and Technology”), could have significant implications for the energy sector, particularly in regions where coconut production is prevalent.
The study focused on extracting oil from coconut residue using an ultrasound pretreatment process with absolute ethanol as a green solvent. The researchers varied several parameters, including ultrasound power, pretreatment time, material particle size, and solvent-to-material ratio, to determine the optimal conditions for maximum extraction efficiency and high oil quality.
“Our goal was to find a sustainable and efficient way to extract oil from coconut residue, which is often discarded or underutilized,” said Che-U-Bong. “By using ultrasound pretreatment and ethanol as a solvent, we were able to achieve a higher yield and better quality oil compared to traditional methods.”
The optimal conditions identified in the study were an ultrasound power of 180 watts and a pretreatment time of 45 minutes. The original unsieved sample size at an ethanol-to-material ratio of 15 mL/g was found to be optimal for oil extraction, yielding the highest yield of 23.3 wt%, the lowest free fatty acid (FFA) content of 0.9%, and a peroxide value (PV) of 0.25 meq/kg oil.
The oil extracted from the coconut residue using ultrasound pretreatment exhibited higher antioxidant activity and a lower oxidation state than oil extracted from untreated material. This was evidenced by various measurements, including total phenolic content, DPPH scavenging activity, and FTIR analysis.
The implications of this research for the energy sector are substantial. Coconut residue is a readily available and inexpensive by-product, making it an attractive feedstock for biofuel production. The use of ultrasound pretreatment and ethanol as a solvent not only enhances the extraction efficiency but also ensures a higher quality of oil, which is crucial for biofuel applications.
“Our findings suggest that ultrasound pretreatment effectively increases oil recovery from coconut residue using ethanol as the solvent, without altering the physicochemical properties and fatty acid composition,” Che-U-Bong explained. “This method could be scaled up for industrial applications, providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution for biofuel production.”
The study’s results could pave the way for future developments in the field of biofuel production, particularly in regions with a high coconut production rate. By utilizing coconut residue, a by-product that is often discarded, this method offers a sustainable and efficient way to extract oil for energy purposes. The use of ultrasound pretreatment and ethanol as a solvent not only enhances the extraction efficiency but also ensures a higher quality of oil, making it a promising avenue for further research and commercialization.
As the world continues to seek sustainable and renewable energy sources, the findings of this study offer a glimpse into the potential of utilizing agricultural by-products for biofuel production. The research conducted by Che-U-Bong and her team at Kasetsart University highlights the importance of innovative technologies and sustainable practices in the quest for a greener future.