Soap Production from Agricultural Residues - a Comparative Study

Abstract

Four agricultural by-products namely Cocoa pod husk (CPH), Kola pod husk (KPH), Plantain peel (PP), and Orange peel (OP) were examined for their potential as alternative source of potash for soap production. These materials were ashed and the samples were subjected to hot aqueous extraction. Extracts from the ashed samples were characterized of their inorganic elements viz calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium. Results indicated that these samples contains appreciable amount of potassium, a precursor material for soap production with CPH giving the highest value (41%).The percentage amount of the potash is of the order CPH > KPH > PPA > OPA. Liquid soaps were thus prepared from the extracts of CPA, KPH, PPA and OPA. Physical and chemical characteristics of the resulting soap products were carried out. The overall quality of the products compared well with that of the standard with exception of OP which showed little variations. Indications therefore abounds that these agricultural residues are suitable material or alternatives for convectional alkalis for soap production.