Extraction and characterization of oil from pistachio nutshell

Abstract

The soxhlet extractor was applied to extract the oil from a pistachio nutshell. The proposed technique was accurate and straightforward for extraction, and the percentage yield was quite acceptable. Solubility and density of the extracted oil were also determined. The acid and saponification value indicated the amount of free fatty acid available and can be used to prepare soap in the industry. The saponification value was found to be 270.4 to 274.5 mg KOH/g of the extracted oil. The other vital parameters like % ash content, % crude fibre, peroxide value, and iodine value were determined and indicated the oil stability for consumption and oxidation. Phenolic compounds and alcohol present in the oil are confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. All results were reproducible and easily adapted to extract oil from different waste materials as routine extraction and valuable technique.