Volatile Organic Compounds in Crude Coconut and Petroleum Oils in Nigeria

Tuan Phan,Adedotun Adebowale

doi:10.4236/ajac.2017.86028

Abstract

Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in crude coconut and petroleum oils from Nigeria is reported. Using head-space gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector and mass spectrometer, 8 VOCs were found in crude coconut oil and 29 VOCs were identified in crude petroleum oil. Crude coconut oil contained two aromatic, two nitrogenated, and four oxygenated compounds. Alkane, alkene, alkyne, halogenated, and sulfur compounds were absent in crude coconut oil but not in crude petroleum oil. The same observation held true for naphthalene. Conversely, benzofuran was absent in crude petroleum oil but was present in crude coconut oil at a concentration of 1.38 part-per-billion (ppb). The most concentrated VOC in crude coconut oil was dodecanoic acid at 9.98 ppb and that of crude petroleum oil was toluene at 12.61 ppb. Total VOC concentrations in crude coconut and petroleum oils are 20.49 and 87.46 ppb, respectively. These results are helpful in characterizing the chemical signature of Nigerian crude coconut oil for potential forensics use or in biofuel research.

Highlights

The potential use of coconut oil as a biofuel has prompted significant economic and environmental research in recent years
In light of the great impact of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) on human health and environment, the objective of this paper is to examine the types and concentrations of VOCs in crude coconut oil and compare them to those in crude petroleum oil
Different VOCs were found in crude coconut and petroleum oils sourced from Ibadan, Nigeria

Summary

Introduction

The potential use of coconut oil as a biofuel has prompted significant economic and environmental research in recent years. Burning of coconut oil releases less CO2 into the atmosphere as compared to petroleum oil [3]. Even though the specific energy, viscosity, and cetane number are similar in coconut and petroleum. Phan 372 oils, coconut oil has comparatively more physiochemical limitations related to relatively high viscosity, iodine concentrations, boiling point, and cloud point/ wax formation as well as the presence of residual water [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]. Coconut oil has the most suitable physical properties among all vegetable oils for biofuel generation. The extensive use of coconut in the production of biofuel may affect the diversity of the agroecosystem by shifting the farming interest to coconut potentially compromising the production of other crops and affecting the price of coconut [9]

Objectives

Results

Conclusion