Palm Oil Research Articles

Investigation into the Reduction of Palm Oil in Foods by Blended Vegetable Oils through Response Surface Methodology and Oxidative Stability Tests

Investigation into the Reduction of Palm Oil in Foods by Blended Vegetable Oils through Response Surface Methodology and Oxidative Stability Tests

Performance Evaluation, Machine Parameters and Ergonomic Aspects of Palm Fruit Harvesters

Performance Evaluation, Machine Parameters and Ergonomic Aspects of Palm Fruit Harvesters

The Impact of Tree Density on Automated Oil Palm Tree Counting Accuracy

The rapid development of oil palm plantations in Kualuh Leidong Subdistrict, Labuhanbatu Utara District, North Sumatra Province has led to an increased need for effective and efficient monitoring and supervision of oil palm trees. One method that supports such monitoring and supervision is the use of an automatic counting method using orthophoto data. This orthophoto data was used for automatic tree counting using a deep learning method with the Faster R-CNN algorithm. The study considered two planting patterns: regular planting patterns with spacing of 4 to 9 meters, and random planting patterns with varying spacing. Data processing involved an epoch value of 80 and a batch size value of 4. The accuracy of the automatic oil palm tree counting was evaluated based on the density of the spacing between trees with reference to the ground truth. The findings indicated that the deep learning Faster R-CNN algorithm achieved higher accuracy in automatic calculations for regular planting patterns.

Oil Palm Plantation Expansion and Population Problems: An Explanatory Factor for Deforestation in Indonesia

Deforestation in Indonesia remains a significant issue due to various factors. This article reveals the impact of demographic variables on deforestation, using oil palm plantation expansion as a case study. The study applies Hunter's model, considering population dynamics and intermediate variables, namely science and technology, institutions, policies, and culture. Through traditional literature review methods, demographic data and field research results from 2010 to 2020 were elaborated, focusing on Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi. The findings underline that Indonesian rapid population growth drives high consumption rates. Additionally, the development of oil palm plantations is faced with high demand for CPO, policies that attach too much importance to investment, and agrarian deregulation. All these intermediate variables are visible through the agricultural expansion as a pattern of agricultural development. The massive expansion by private companies resulted in a change in the socio-ecological landscape. In addition, there are dilemmas in the villager's livelihood system, such as shifting traditional livelihood bases, livelihood dualism, the emergence of new vulnerabilities, and land grabs. In order to realize sustainable palm oil development, we suggest governance reforms at the global, national, and local levels.

Study Case: Company Valuation and Forecasting Financial Trends at PT PP London Sumatera Indonesia (LSIP)

PT PP London Sumatra Indonesia Tbk (LSIP) is a company that has been established in Indonesia since 1906 and started its IPO in 1996 with an IPO price of Rp4.650 for each share. Even though the company’s performance is going well and the trend of palm oil consumption in Indonesia is increasing, the share price of PT PP London Sumatra Indonesia Tbk has fluctuated and even decreased when compared to the initial IPO price and share prices in the last 5 years. So this raises the question of how the company’s stock performance will be in the next few years. In this research, the author begins by analyzing the macro-environment which may have an impact on the company and industry, then the author carries out an analysis of the financial statements of the company and its competitors. Apart from that, the author also tries to forecast the company’s financial performance and then continue with company valuation analysis using the discounted cash flow method. After getting the valuation results, the author tries to see the company’s level of sensitivity using scenario analysis and also carries out capital structure analysis to find the optimal capital structure. Based on the results of financial performance analysis, Lonsum (LSIP) has better financial performance compared to its competitors except for assets turnover. And then based on the results of discounted cash flow analysis, this company is not yet worthy of being a place for us to invest. And the last based on all the results of the previous analysis, when compared with competing companies, LSIP is a company that has quite a lot of potential as a place to invest. However, currently the company still has to look for a catalyst in order to become a company that is worthy of being a place for us to invest. Based on the result, the author suggest the reader to continue to collect information related to PT PP London Sumatra Indonesia Tbk, other competitors and plantation in similar industries to find catalysts that have positive impact on the company, and invest when the company has a positive catalyst.

A feasibility study of oil palm empty fruit bunch pulp as a substitution for radiata pine pulp for autoclave fibre cement composite production

The main objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using unbleached pulp from oil palm empty fruit bunches, produced via the Ethanolamine pulping process, to replace Radiata Pine pulp in autoclave fibre cement composite (AFCC) manufacturing. The Ethanolamine pulping process was chosen for its silica retention capability on empty fruit bunch surfaces. The research involves three key phases: an initial characterization of RPP and EFBP properties, including kappa numbers and pulp aspect ratios; subsequent AFCC production with varying RPP content levels (0%–13%) and different cement-to-silica (C/S) ratios (0.2–1.0); and the introduction of EFBP as a partial or complete substitute for RPP at a fixed C/S ratio. Results reveal RPP excels in fibre quality attributes like length, coarseness, fineness, width, and wet/dry zero span, while EFBP offers advantages in fibre count and macro fibrillation index. X-ray diffraction confirms silica presence on EFBP. The highest modulus of rupture (MOR), at 15.5 MPa, is achieved with 9% RPP and a C/S ratio of 1.0. Subsequent analysis, with 1% EFBP interval substitutions to total 13% pulp content, yields the highest MOR values under dry (16.7 MPa) and wet (9.9 MPa) conditions using recipes with 6% RPP and 3% EFBP. XRD confirms the presence of silica on EFBP, forming a crystalline flake layer post-autoclaving. Thus, EFBP proves suitable as a partial AFCC substitute.

Evaluation of phytochemical compounds and proximate analysis of doum palm fruit (Hyphaene thebaica) blend with turmeric powder (Curcuma longa)

Doum palm and turmeric are traditional medicinal plants with a rich history of use. This study investigated the phytochemical composition, proximate analysis, and GC-MS characterization of doum palm and turmeric blends at different ratios (100%, 80:20%, 60:40%, and 50:50%) using ethanol and warm-water extracts. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, and phenols, in the blends at ratios of 80:20%, 60:40%, and 50:50%. Alkaloids were absent in the 100% doum palm sample. Proximate analysis showed significant variations in moisture, ash, fat, and protein content among the samples. GC-MS characterization identified at most 30 phytochemical compounds in sample A and more additional 9 bioactive compounds in samples B, C and D, including two new compounds, eucalyptol and carotol, found in the doum palm-turmeric blends. These compounds have been known to possess various antioxidant and therapeutic potential. The findings suggest that doum palm and turmeric blends have improved potential health benefits due to their high content of phytochemical compounds and balanced proximate composition. Further research is warranted to determine the most effective doum palm to turmeric ratio (Optimal Blending Ratios) for specific health applications. This includes identifying the blend ratios that maximize the therapeutic benefits for particular conditions or diseases.

Progress in analytical methods for pesticide detection in palm oil and palm kernel oil matrices, and pesticide fate studies in oil palm plantations

AbstractThis review presents a comprehensive overview of instrumental analyses for both single‐component and multicomponent pesticide detection within palm oil matrices. It meticulously examines the analytical attributes of these methods across various pesticide categories, including insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. The discussion extends to sample preparation methodologies tailored for palm oil, encompassing techniques such as low‐temperature precipitation followed by solid‐phase extraction, liquid–liquid extraction, and variations of the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) method. Additionally, it explores the QuEChERS method employing different sorbent combinations to optimize extraction efficiency. The second part of the review focuses on the fate study of pesticides within oil palm plantations which covers laboratory‐scale simulations elucidating pesticide behavior, comparative analysis of field studies with predictive programs, and investigations into the influence of climatic and microbiological factors on pesticide persistence within the oil palm agroenvironment system.

Optimization of 1,3-propanediol production from fermentation of crude glycerol by immobilized Bacillus pumilus

This study investigates the application of crude glycerol to the production of 1,3-propanediol by immobilized cells of Bacillus pumilus. This is a novel application of a naturally occurring producer obtained from a wastewater storage pond in Thailand. Crude glycerol was obtained through the methanolysis of palm oil, which was catalyzed using rice bran lipase. Ten components of the fermentation medium were screened using a Plackett-Burman design. The statistical significance of the results was determined using multiple linear regression with a backward elimination approach. The significance level was set to 5 % (p < 0.05). Only crude glycerol, (NH4)2SO4, MgSO4, and CaCl2 significantly affected 1,3-propanediol production by immobilized B. pumilus. Furthermore, preliminary screenings of environmental conditions used for 1,3-propanediol production were conducted using a Plackett-Burman design. The results showed that the temperature, time, and quantity of immobilized cells were factors that significantly affected 1,3-propanediol yield. Therefore, the quantities of crude glycerol, (NH4)2SO4, MgSO4, and CaCl2 and the temperature, time, and quantity of immobilized cells were optimized using response surface methodology based on a Box-Behnken design. The model predicted a maximum 1,3-propanediol yield of 45.68 g/L with the following conditions: 60 g/L crude glycerol, 5 g/L (NH4)2SO4, 0.55 g/L MgSO4, 0.05 g/L CaCl2, a fermentation duration of 101 h, and a temperature of 25 °C, with 250 g of immobilized cells. The validation trials confirmed a production level of 44.12 ± 1.81 g/L, indicating a 2.86-fold production increase relative to the control group. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of using crude glycerol as a substrate to improve the yields of 1,3-propanediol produced by B. pumilus.

Modification of hydrochar derived from palm waste with thiourea to produce N, S co-doped activated carbon for supercapacitor

This study examines modifying hydrochar from biomass to produce N, S codoped activated carbon for supercapacitor applications. Hydrochar was created from oil palm empty fruits bunch with the activating agent CaCl2 at 275 °C for 60 minutes. Hydrochar modification was carried out by the impregnation method in thiourea solution for 2 hours and impregnation ratio (1, 2, and 3) and continued the activation process at 800 °C for 120 minutes. The in-depth exploration of porosity unveiled a distinct pattern, as the progressive increase in impregnation ratio exerted a corresponding dampening effect on the activated carbon's surface area (151.57−234.56 m2 g−1). Subsequent engagement in electrochemical scrutiny, facilitated by a meticulously designed two-electrode system, revealed a pinnacle in capacitance performance, culminating at an impressive 135.12 F g−1at 0.5 A g−1 The energy and power densities achieved remarkable magnitudes in concert, scaling up to 3.4 Wh kg−1 and 202.6 W kg−1, respectively. Demonstrating robustness through the crucible of a 5000-cycle durability evaluation, the modified activated carbon-based supercapacitor emerged with unswerving capacitance retention and coulombic efficiency, each clocking in at a steadfast 106 % and 95 %. The discerning insights drawn from this inquiry underscore that the strategic incorporation of N, S-modification via thiourea engenders a qualitative enhancement within the supercapacitor's performance domain.

Analysis and Design of e-Commerce Application “PALMARKET” based on Mobile Android as a Media for Selling Quality Palm Seeds and Seeds

In this digital era, the use of e-commerce mobile applications is very useful to reach sales and purchases widely and is easy, fast and convenient to use for the community. Until now, there has not been found e-commerce that is devoted to selling seeds and plant seeds, especially oil palm plants that can be trusted. In fact, there are many farmers who buy the wrong seeds, resulting in long-term problems in the oil palm plantation industry whose production is decreasing. Therefore, the sale of seeds and plant seeds needs support through a trusted e-commerce Mobile Application so that farmers do not need to be afraid to buy quality oil palm seeds. The development method used in this research uses the Waterfall method. The results of this study are in the form of e-commerce Mobile Application as a means of buying and selling oil palm seeds and seeds that are easy and reliable throughout the region

Synergistic integration of hydrothermal pretreatment and co-digestion for enhanced biogas production from empty fruit bunches in high solids anaerobic digestion

This study investigates the co-digestion of hydrothermally pretreated empty fruit bunches (EFB) at 190°C for 5 min (HTP190-EFB) with decanter cake (DC) to improve biogas production in high solid anaerobic digestion (HSAD). The HTP190-EFB exhibited a 67.98% reduction in total solids, along with the production of 0.89 g/L of sugar, 2.39 g/L of VFA, and 0.56 g/L of furfural in the liquid fraction. Co-digestion of HTP190-EFB with DC at mixing ratios of 5, 10, and 15 %w/v demonstrated improved methane yields and process stability compared to mono-digestion of HTP190-EFB. The highest methane yield of 372.69 mL CH4/g-VS was achieved in the co-digestion with 5 %w/v DC, representing a 15% increase compared to digestion of HTP190-EFB (324.30 mL CH4/g-VS) alone. Synergistic effects were quantified, with the highest synergistic methane yield of 77.65 mL CH4/g-VS observed in the co-digestion with 5 %w/v DC. Microbial community analysis revealed that co-digestion of hydrothermally pretreated EFB with decanter cake promoted the growth of Clostridium sp., Lactobacillus sp., Fibrobacter sp., Methanoculleus sp., and Methanosarcina sp., contributing to enhanced biogas production compared to mono-digestion of pretreated EFB. Energy balance analysis revealed that co-digestion of HTP190-EFB with DC resulted in a total net energy of 599.95 kW, 52% higher than mono-digestion of HTP190-EFB (394.62 kW). Economic analysis showed a shorter return on investment for the co-digestion system (0.86 years) compared to the mono-digestion of HTP190-EFB (1.02 years) and raw EFB (2.69 years). The co-digestion of HTP190-EFB with 5 %w/v DC offers a promising approach to optimize methane yield, process stability, and economic feasibility, supporting the palm oil industry for producing renewable energy and sustainable waste management.

Social and biological impact of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) plantations in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon

Social and biological impact of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) plantations in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon

The Effectiveness of Various Insecticides Against Bagworm Pests (Mahesa corbetti) Mortality in Oil Palm Produtive Plants in Marbau District, Pernatian Village, PT Umada Plantation

The Effectiveness of Various Insecticides Against Bagworm Pests (Mahesa corbetti) Mortality in Oil Palm Produtive Plants in Marbau District, Pernatian Village, PT Umada Plantation

Brain Perception of Different Oils on Appetite Regulation: An Anorectic Gene Expression Pattern in the Hypothalamus Dependent on the Vagus Nerve

(1) Background: We examined the effect of the acute administration of olive oil (EVOO), linseed oil (GLO), soybean oil (SO), and palm oil (PO) on gastric motility and appetite in rats. (2) Methods: We assessed food intake, gastric retention (GR), and gene expression in all groups. (3) Results: Both EVOO and GLO were found to enhance the rate of stomach retention, leading to a decrease in hunger. On the other hand, the reduction in food intake caused by SO was accompanied by delayed effects on stomach retention. PO caused an alteration in the mRNA expression of NPY, POMC, and CART. Although PO increased stomach retention after 180 min, it did not affect food intake. It was subsequently verified that the absence of an autonomic reaction did not nullify the influence of EVOO in reducing food consumption. Moreover, in the absence of parasympathetic responses, animals that received PO exhibited a significant decrease in food consumption, probably mediated by lower NPY expression. (4) Conclusions: This study discovered that different oils induce various effects on parameters related to food consumption. Specifically, EVOO reduces food consumption primarily through its impact on the gastrointestinal tract, making it a recommended adjunct for weight loss. Conversely, the intake of PO limits food consumption in the absence of an autonomic reaction, but it is not advised due to its contribution to the development of cardiometabolic disorders.

Hygroscopic behavior of thermo-hygro-mechanical (THM) densified oil palm sawn timber

ABSTRACT To facilitate the drying process and enhance the properties of oil palm wood, oil palm boards were mechanically pre-dewatered and thermo-hygro-mechanically (THM) densified. The thickness of the boards was reduced with compression ratios of 40%, 60% and 75%. Since densified wood tends to recover from compression, especially under humid conditions, this study examined the set-recovery and the hygroscopic behavior of THM densified oil palm wood. The equilibrium moisture content (EMC), differential swelling and swelling coefficient, linear swelling and shrinkage as well as the differential swelling anisotropy were determined under climate conditions with different relative humidity (RH) (20°C/35% RH, 20°C/65% RH and 20°C/85% RH). The maximum swelling was measured after water soaking and the remaining set-recovery was evaluated after re-drying at 103°C. The EMC was reduced by the THM process by around 20%. In the direction of compression (thickness), the densified specimens show higher values for all analyzed swelling and shrinkage parameters than the undensified specimens from the equivalent position within the trunk. The maximum swelling in thickness of 22–38% during water soaking is mostly reversed by shrinkage during re-drying and a comparably low remaining set-recovery of 3–8% is measured at oven dry condition.

Ameliorative effect of α-tocopherol and tocotrienol-rich palm oil extract on menopause-associated mood disorder in ovariectomized mice

Menopause-associated mood disorder is characterized by emotional depression, anxiety, and stress, which accompany hypogonadism in women in the menopausal phase. The current treatment for menopause-associated mood disorder provides only symptomatic relief and is associated with many side effects. Supplementation with vitamin E has been shown to be effective in ameliorating anxiety and depression. However, the effects of vitamin E and its underlying mechanism in ameliorating menopause-associated mood disorders remain uncertain. This work evaluated the effects of α-tocopherol and tocotrienol-rich palm oil extract on depressive and anxiety-related phenotypes induced by estrogen deficiency through ovariectomy in mice. Our study revealed that ovariectomized mice exhibited alterations in behavior indicative of depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors. The serum corticosterone level, a glucocorticoid hormone associated with stress, was found to be elevated in ovariectomized mice as compared to the sham group. Oral administration of α-tocopherol (50 and 100 mg/kg) and tocotrienol-rich palm oil extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) for 14 days alleviated these behavioral changes, as observed in open field, social interaction, and tail suspension tests. However, treatment with tocotrienol-rich palm oil extract, but not α-tocopherol, modulated the depressive- and anxiety-like responses in ovariectomized mice subjected to chronic restraint stress. Both treatments suppressed the elevated serum corticosterone level. Our findings suggested that α-tocopherol and tocotrienol-rich palm oil extract alleviated menopause-associated mood disorder, at least in part, by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The findings of this study can provide a new foundation for the treatment of menopause-associated depressive- and anxiety-like phenotypes, for the betterment of psychological wellbeing.

Palm kernel meal regulates the expression of genes involved in the amino acid metabolism in the liver of Tibetan sheep

BackgroundPalm kernel meal (PKM) is a by-product of oil palm kernel after oil extraction, which is widely used in animal feeds due to its high energy content. This study aimed to investigate the impact of supplementing Tibetan sheep with PKM on their hepatic phenotype, oxidative stress and immune response. A total of 120 Tibetan lambs (Initial weight = 12.37 ± 0.92 kg) were randomly assigned into four groups: control group (C group, 0% PKM diet), low group (L group, 15% PKM diet), middle group (M group, 18% PKM diet), and high group (H group, 21% PKM diet) on a dry matter basis. The feeding experiment was performed for 130 d, including a 10 d adaption period.ResultsResults showed that the level of GSH-Px were higher in the H and M groups than in the C and L groups (P < 0.05). The levels of IgM and TNF-α were higher in the M group when compared to those on the C group (P < 0.05). The level of IgA was significantly higher in the M group than in the H group (P < 0.05). Additionally, compared with the others groups, the hepatocytes in the M group displayed a radial arrangement, forming hepatic plates that were centered around the central vein. The transcriptome results revealed that proteasome 26 S subunit, ATPase 3 (PSMC3), proteasome 26 S subunit, ATPase 5 (PSMC5), proteasome 26 S subunit ubiquitin receptor, non-ATPase 4 (PSMD4), proteasome activator subunit 1 (PSME1), acyl-CoA dehydrogenase short/branched chain (ACADSB), enoyl-CoA hydratase, short chain 1 (ECHS1), serine dehydratase (SDS), ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC), and phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) were the hub genes regulating the amino acid metabolism in the liver.ConclusionsIn summary, dietary 18% PMK supplementation contributed to improve the hepatic phenotype, oxidative stress and immune response through regulating the expression of related genes.

Accounting for deep soil carbon in tropical forest conservation payments

Secondary tropical forests are at the forefront of deforestation pressures. They store large amounts of carbon, which, if compensated for to avoid net emissions associated with conversion to non-forest uses, may help advance tropical forest conservation. We measured above- and below-ground carbon stocks down to 1 m soil depth across a secondary forest and in oil palm plantations in Malaysia. We calculated net carbon losses when converting secondary forests to oil palm plantations and estimated payments to avoid net emissions arising from land conversion to a 22-year oil palm rotation, based on land opportunity costs per hectare. We explored how estimates would vary between forests by also extracting carbon stock data for primary forest from the literature. When tree and soil carbon was accounted for, payments of US$18–51 tCO2–1 for secondary forests and US$14–40 tCO2–1 for primary forest would equal opportunity costs associated with oil palm plantations per hectare. If detailed assessments of soil carbon were not accounted for, payments to offset opportunity costs would need to be considerably higher for secondary forests (US$28–80 tCO2–1). These results show that assessment of carbon stocks down to 1 m soil depth in tropical forests can substantially influence the estimated value of avoided-emission payments.

Identification of Aquifer Layer Using Geoelectric Method in Oil Palm Plantation Area of PT Unggul Widya Teknologi Lestari Pasangkayu Regency

Introduction: Aquifer layers have been identified in the oil palm plantation area of PT Unggul Widya Teknologi Lestari Pasangkayu Regency. This study aims to determine the lithology of subsurface rocks and the depth of the aquifer layer as a source of clean water in the study area. Method: This study uses the geoelectric method of type resistance with Wenner configuration, with the number of electrodes 24 rods and a spacing of 10 meters. 2D cross-sectional model using Res2Dinv software program. Results and Discussion: Based on the value of the type resistance of the subsurface constituent rock lithology at the research site is interpreted to consist of three layers, namely clay with a specific resistance value &lt; 29.15 Ωm, sand and sandy clay with a specific resistance value of 29.15 Ωm to 72.89 Ωm, and conglomerate with a specific resistance value &gt; 72.89 Ωm. The aquifer layer is interpreted with a specific resistance value of 29.15 Ωm to 72.89 Ωm. The aquifer layer is detected to spread from the northeast to the southwest of the research site with a depth of ±25-39 m. Conclusion: In the oil palm plantation of PT Unggul Widya Teknologi Lestari, the subsurface layer consists of clay (1.98 Ωm - 29.15 Ωm), sand and passive clay (29.15 Ωm - 72.89 Ωm), and conglomerate (72.89 Ωm - 1120.5 Ωm). Thin aquifers, with a thickness of 5-10 m and depth of 25-39 m, are detected in the sand and sandy clay layers.