Palm Oil Processing Research Articles

Application of Appropriate Technology for Making Organic NPK Fertilizer by Utilizing Palm Oil Mill Waste in Bekiung Village

Bekiung is one of the villages in Langkat Regency. Farmers in this village generally cultivate a lot of oil palm plants. The waste is quite large and causes environmental pollution problems. On the other hand, experience problems in the form of scarcity and expensive synthetic fertilizers, subsidized fertilizers that are no longer available, and less fertile soil. This is due to the lack of knowledge and skills of farmers, limited advice and infrastructure in waste processing. The aim of this activity is to increase farmers' knowledge and skills in processing palm oil waste into organic NPK fertilizer, open farmers' insight into the importance of organic fertilizer as a diversification of synthetic fertilizer which is beneficial for soil properties and increase the independence of partners in waste processing. The solution offered to overcome this problem is the introduction of appropriate technology and processing palm oil factory waste into organic NPK fertilizer. The methods used in this activity are socialization and direct practice in the field. The results obtained were the introduction and delivery of technology transfer equipment in the form of a hummer mill, conveyor and simple filter, training and assistance in making organic NPK fertilizer up to packaging. The conclusion of this activity is that it is a beneficial activity for partners because it increases the understanding and independence of partners in processing palm oil mill waste into organic NPK fertilizer which can overcome the problem of the availability of scarce and expensive fertilizer.

Pemanfaatan Jenis Inokulan dengan Lama Inokulasi pada Fermentasi Limbah Sludge Kelapa Sawit untuk Pakan Ternak

Sludge is solid waste resulting from palm oil processing that has not been widely utilized and causes environmental pollution. The research was carried out for 2 months from March to April 2024, in Inderalaya, Ogan Ilir Regency, South Sumatra Province. The research uses experimental methods with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Treatment in the form of inoculam type (J), consisting of Aspergillus oryzale (J1), Rhizopus orizae (J2), and Neurospora shitophilla (J3), and fermentation time (I), consisting of 3 days (I1), 6 days (I2), and 9 days (I3). The parameters observed were dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, and crude fiber, before fermentation and after fermentation. Data were analyzed using analysis of variansces (ANOVA). Accuracy is tested with the Diversity Coefficient, and treatments that have a real to very real effect is tested using the Honestly Significant Difference Test (HST). The resulting conclusion is that sludge can be used as additional feed for ruminants, by first fermenting it using an inoculant. Sludge fermentation using the inoculant Neurosprora shitophilla produces the best quality sludge for use as animal feed, because it contains high protein and crude fat and low dry matter and fiber. The best fermentation time is 9 days, because it can reduce dry matter and crude fiber, and increase protein and crude fat.

Green Entrepreneurial Awareness and Competitiveness of Agro-Allied SMEs in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State

This study examined the relationship between green entrepreneurial awareness and competitiveness of agro-allied SMEs in Obio-Akpor LGA, Rivers State. The study adopted a cross sectional survey research design. Primary data was collected with the aid of structured questionnaire from the 125 agro-entrepreneurs who were engaged in fish farming, rice farming, poultry farming, oil palm processing, etc. and were registered with the Agricultural Development Board (ADB) in Obio Akpor LGA. They formed the study population. Due to the small size of the population, all 125 agro-entrepreneurs were chosen to participate in the census. The Cronbach Alpha coefficient was used to assess the instrument's reliability, and all items scored above 0.70. Only the data from 99 respondents were used for analysis after the data were cleaned. Two research hypotheses guided the study and the Spearman's Rank Order Correlation Coefficient was used to test the hypotheses. The tests were run using a significance threshold of 0.05. The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between green entrepreneurial awareness and competitiveness of agro-allied SMEs in in Obio-Akpor LGA, Rivers State. The study concludes that the awareness of green entrepreneurship, which involves integrating environmental considerations into business operations, positively impacts the competitiveness of agro-allied SMEs. Therefore, the study recommends that agro-allied SMEs should prioritize implementing green practices throughout their operations. This could include using eco-friendly farming techniques, reducing waste, recycling materials, and adopting sustainable energy sources. Keyword: Green Entrepreneurial Awareness, Competitiveness, Environmental Knowledge, Green Initiative Orientation

Up-scaling Social Innovations: The Eku and Implications for Enhancing Small-scale Palm Oil Production in Nigeria

The dearth of adoption of processing technologies by small-scale palm oil processors in Nigeria has resulted in poor quality of output and low extraction rates. This paper proposes that improved versions of the Eku, a community-based social innovation which enables the sharing of palm oil processing facilities can be up-scaled and diffused in the sector to improve the technological base of small-scale palm oil production in Nigeria. A framework, which emphasises removing constraints to the practicality and efficiency of social innovations with institutional and funding measures to create a prototype that will be up-scaled and diffused, is developed. The study reveals that only one of five unit operations of small-scale palm oil production is totally mechanised in the Eku and constraints affecting full mechanisation of all unit operations in the Eku include lack of awareness and funds to adopt processing technologies. The chapter recommends equipping prototype Ekus with innovations for all the un-mechanised stages of palm oil production and suggests its up-scaling and diffusion in the sector through small-scale entrepreneurs. The study concludes that the diffusion of the prototype versions of the Eku can enhance the diffusion of technological innovations in the sector.

Pemanfaatan Limbah Tandan Kosong Kelapa Sawit Menjadi Pupuk Kompos Di Desa Suka Damai Kecamatan Tunggal Jaya Musi Banyuasin

Processing palm oil into palm oil produces solid waste in the form of empty palm fruit bunches (TKKS) which will cause environmental pollution. The aim of this research is to find out how to manage waste from empty oil palm fruit bunches into compost which is needed by plants as a natural nutrient. The research method uses experimental methods. The results of the research resulted in TKKS being able to be processed into compost by fermentation.

Study on Palm Oil Cultivation and Processing Technology to Support The Biofuel Program (Optimization for The Development of Palm Oil-Based Energy Plantation in Indonesia)

Abstract Crude Palm Oil (CPO) is an important commodity for Indonesia, after fossil oil is no longer the main component of export products. The bioenergy product that has been well developed and applied is biodiesel. The development of CPO for bioenergy has some obstacles, such the amount of CPO needed is large so that it will affect the capacity of CPO used for food. In addition, the price of CPO which is considered high is around US$ 700-900/ton, whereas the ideal price of CPO as a bioenergy raw material is a maximum of US$ 400/ton. Several approaches that are recommended as a solution to overcome these problems are optimization of palm oil cultivation, harvesting management, and also processing technology. The methodology used in this research includes collecting data from palm oil industry players, palm oil mills (PKS), academics involved in the development of the palm oil industry, and professional organizations related to palm oil. The data was obtained by conducting discussions and knowledge sharing with them. The results of this study will assist policy makers, in this case the Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) and the Ministry of Agriculture to determine bioenergy development policies that involve aquaculture ecosystems, land selection, industrial location and optimal process technology. The Ministry of Industry and Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) can partner to develop palm oil-based energy, the Ministry of Agriculture will develop palm cultivation which is sufficient to support mustard products for energy, palm land can be restructured according to energy needs. To support the energy plantation program, it is recommended that the government set up a palm plantation devoted to energy covering an area of 250,000 hectares on state land or state-owned enterprises (BUMN). Procurement of palm oil plantations can be done in stages from 25 hectares, according to land potential and budget.

Preliminary Study on Structure of Carbon Derived from Palm Oil Shell

Abstract Palm shells are waste that is produced every year due to the large demand for palm oil. The potential for carbon derivatives in palm shell charcoal waste that can be extracted is more like activated carbon. Therefore, this research aims to provide an explanation of the ability of palm shell charcoal carbon as a residual component of palm oil processing that is affordable and abundantly available, which if maximized properly will be the forerunner to the development of technology that has added value. The capabilities of Palm Shell Charcoal can be applied for technical applications with further development. It is hoped that this study will provide initial information for scientists and policy makers in the fields of environmental conservation and technology. Palm shell charcoal (ACKS) that has been washed, dried and made into powder is subjected to DSC-TGA, FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDX testing. The XRD results show that there is a main broad peak that appears around the 2θ ∼23° angle which corresponds to the (002) plane and also a narrow peak appears at the 26° angle which indicates graphite growth. Meanwhile, the FTIR results show that many of the bonds formed are C=O, C-O, C=C and O-H bonds which indicate the presence of hard carbon.

Palm Oil Mill Effluent Biochar as An Alternative Potassium Source: Effect of Pyrolysis Time and Its Kinetic Release

Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) is one of the waste products of palm oil processing that can be processed into a biochar. POME biochar contains high levels of nutrient, such as NPK which can be used an alternative potassium source material. This study aims to produced biochar from POME and the influence of pyrolysis time on the characteristics and its kinetic release. Biochar production from POME was conducted at 300oC with pyrolysis time variation of 1 hour, 3 hours and 5 hours. Biochar characterization was conducted using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), Surface Area Analysis (SAA). Study of potassium release was conducted by mixing one gram amount of biochar with 0.01 M CaCl2 as a function of time. The used kinetics modelling in this study are first-order, second-order, pseudo-first order, pseudo-second orde. The results showed that the biochar yield decreased, while the biochar pH value, exchangeable potassium, non-exchangeable potassium and surface area increased with the increasing of pyrolysis time. The pseudo- second order model is the most fitted model to describe the potassium release. The pseudo-second order kinetics model gave K release rates of 0.018; 0.024; 0.020; 0.014 (mg g-1min-1), the qe values are 0.814; 0.839; 0.927; 1.111 (mg g-1), respectively.

Assessing the ecological impact of industrial noise pollution on wildlife behavior in Okomu Forest Reserve, Nigeria

The study identified sources and established the levels of industrial noise in Okomu National Park with the aim of determining the impact of industrial noise pollution on wildlife in Okomu National Park. It also modelled propagation of ambient noise levels associated with the established levels as well as determined impacts of ambient noise obtained from industrial activities on wildlife of the National Park. Locations of identified sources of noise including industrial activities sources relative to the National Park were established and digital maps of the identified locations was generated. Ambient noise levels were obtained for wildlife populations around selected locations. Noise assignment was done at each of the hotspots for industrial activity that had been detected using EXTEC sensors. The average noise levels from the industrial sources were then processed into a model using NoiseMap. The calculated noise levels from identified sources were represented with contour map. The results identified sources of noise pollution in Okomu Forest Reserve as: Okomu Palm Oil processing mill and Michelin rubber Processing factory. The result showed that activities within these industries produced at least 40 dB during the period of study. The effects of noise from the industrial activities forced the migration of the animals out of the National Park to favourable habitats with less noise sources. The retreat of the animals caused energy depletion and reduced the chances of their survival. The study concluded that industrial activities such as Palm oil processing, rubber processing, logging and vehicles are a major source of noise pollution that threatens the sustainability of wildlife in the Okomu National Park.

Urgensi Penggunaan Kertas Berbahan Dasar Limbah Cangkang Kelapa Sawit Bagi Peserta Didik di SMK Pertanian Pada Proses Pembelajaran

The conventional type of paper that is still widely used by students to support the learning process in schools is printed modules. Even though digitalization such as ebooks is starting to be used by the public, printed modules are still used to simplify the teaching process in the classroom. The types of paper that are generally used do not all use environmentally friendly paper such as paper from palm oil shell waste processing, due to a lack of in-depth knowledge. This research is a qualitative research that uses interview methods with several students from three different skills programs at one of the Bandung City Agricultural Vocational Schools to measure knowledge about environmentally friendly paper. Participants were asked six questions related to the use of paper in schools, understanding of environmentally friendly paper, and knowledge about paper produced from processing palm oil shell waste. The results show that the majority of students do not know clearly about processing waste from palm oil shells into environmentally friendly paper, but the data shows that alternative types of environmentally friendly paper are needed to participate in preserving environmental welfare and improving economic aspects.

Assessment of Kidney Function and Lipid Profile in Albino Rats Exposed to Azo-Dye Adulterated Palm Oil

Food is an important factor in human existence which makes exposure to adulterants in food an important environmental factor challenging the biological system. In West Africa, the manufacturing and processing of palm oil are done without proper hygienic monitoring; it is therefore almost impossible to detect fraud in the system. A major disadvantage associated with the use of adulterants in palm oil is that the adulterants have not undergone adequate research and the degree of health hazards they can pose to humans when consumed. This study was designed to evaluate the toxic effects of Azo dye adulterated palm oil on kidney function and Lipid profile in albino rats exposed to Azo-dye adulterated palm oil. Twenty-five albino rats were divided into five groups and treated as thus: Group I (control), Groups II and III were treated with only 1 ml/kg of unadulterated and adulterated palm oil respectively, while Groups IV and V were treated with only 50 mg/kg of Sudan III and IV dyes respectively for 28 days. Renal function tests, and lipid profiles were determined using analytical test kits. Data obtained were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by tukey test using Graph Pad prism 9.0.0. The results were presented as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM). Differences between means of treated and control groups values at P ≤ 0.05 at 95% confidence interval were considered significant. The results showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in creatinine, urea concentrations, Sodium ion (Na+) and Potassium ion (K+) in groups treated with adulterated palm oil, Sudan III, Sudan IV (groups III, IV and V respectively) when compared with control groups. A significant increase (p < 0.05) in low density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and Triacylglycerol (TAG) was observed in treated groups when compared with control groups while a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in high density lipoprotein level (HDL) observed in treated groups when compared with the control group. This suggests that adulterated palm oil can induce renal damage and alter lipid profile.

Highly Efficient Clay Based Degumming Aid for Phosphorous Removal from Crude Palm Oil

The removal of phosphorous from crude oil is a complex and necessary step to enhance the oxidative stability and shelf life of edible oil. In this aspect, the current work proposed clay based degumming aid for the removal of phosphorous from the crude palm oil during the bleaching process. The state of art qualitative and quantitative techniques was adopted for the study of physical and chemical properties of different raw materials and oil. A profound study on the stability of the degumming aid is based on the assessment of phosphorous removal efficiency with time (up to 6 months) and bleachability. The results of current work revealed that clay based degumming aid is highly effective in removing phosphorous up to 96%. Additionally, the bleaching performance of clay-based aid is also palpable (around 45%), which influences the deodorization process of the crude palm oil positively. The clay based degumming aid eliminate separate degumming process with acids, which directly impact the oil processing time and cost. Overall, proposed clay based degumming aid is highly efficient, stable for long time and cost effective as well, for the removal of undesired phosphorous from the crude palm oil during the bleaching process.

Effectiveness of aquatic plants as phytoremediation in palm oil processing factory wastewater

The research aims to see the effect of using kale (Ipomoea Aquatica), water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and apu-apu (Pistia statiotes) in the phytoremediation process on water quality in palm oil mill waste. The design used in this research is an experimental design using a non-factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The treatments in the study used 4 treatments and three replications, namely P1: 20 liters of palm oil waste + 600 grams of water spinach, P2: 20 liters of palm oil waste + 600 grams of water hyacinth, P3: 20 liters of palm oil waste + 600 grams of apu-apu, P4: 20 liters of palm oil waste. The observation parameters in this study include pH, DO, Temperature, Nitrate and Phosphate. The results showed that the best aquatic plants in phytoremediation of palm oil wastewater were in treatment B (water hyacinth) and the lowest in treatment D (control). From the results obtained, it can be concluded that water hyacinth is suitable for use as a plant in phytoremediation and is able to improve the quality of palm oil wastewater.

Study of Palm Oil Shell Utilization as Metallurgical Coke with Variation of Bondcrete Additive

Coke, an essential ingredient in the steel and metallurgical industries, is typically derived from bituminous coal. However, in Indonesia, where bituminous coal is rare, coke production is dependent on coal imports due to the high moisture content of local coal. An alternative approach is to use biomass, such as palm oil processing waste, for "biomass coke" to produce a more environmentally friendly coke with lower greenhouse gas emissions. Palm kernel shell waste rich in lignocellulose proved suitable for this purpose due to its compressive strength and carbon content. Pyrolysis, a technique for creating porous micro-structured carbon from palm kernel shells, was used to produce this coke substitute, offering a more sustainable energy source with a lower carbon footprint than fossil fuels. Bio-coke exhibits low moisture content (5.84%) and ash content (13.20%) due to the moisture and ash reduction effects of bondcrete adhesive during combustion. It also demonstrates substantial compressive strength (14 mPa), a high calorific value (6795 cal/g), and a favorable pore structure with a large surface area, indicating a positive influence of bondcrete adhesive on coke properties without compromising energy potential.

Identifikasi Potensi Bahaya pada Stasiun Boiler Menggunakan Metode Hirarc di PT. Syaukath Agro

PT Syaukath Agro is a company operating in the Agribusiness Sector which is engaged in processing palm oil Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) into crude palm oil (CPO), Palm Kernel (PK) and shells. The palm oil processing system consists of several stages starting from receiving Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) to becoming palm oil or Crude Palm Oil (CPO). The palm oil processing process can be used in several stages carried out at each station. Based on interviews conducted, each station has a different level of risk of accidents, one of the stations that has a large risk of work accidents is the boiler station which is the heart of a palm oil factory where the steam boiler is the source of power and the source of the steam that will used to process palm oil. Boilers have potential dangers or risks when operated. The risks that often occur are falls, slips, burns, scalds, heat, noise, so it is very important to supervise and provide guidance regarding work safety. The size of the accident caused will certainly have a detrimental impact on the company. The severity of the accident can be determined through identification of potential dangers and risk assessment of all boiler operating activities at PT. Syaukath Agro. Based on the results of research conducted using the hirarc method, potential hazards found in boiler stations include: Unergonomic Working Attitudes, Noise Levels >84 dB with 8 Hours/Day Exposure, Working climate temperature (hot) 31°C on exposure >8 working hours/day, and oil buildup. Types of risk of work accidents at boiler stations consist of: Falls, injuries (slipping, slippery floors) Burns (in contact with hot objects around), Heat exhausting (Heat), Work accidents (fatigue ), hearing loss (noise), blisters (burns), health problems (muscles, bones), contact dermatitis (exposed to dangerous toxic radiation). Based on the results of risk control, it was found that the most appropriate type of control recommendation is administrative control and compliance with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Administration (Administration Control) is carried out by creating or providing a work system that can reduce the possibility of someone being exposed to potential dangers. The hierarchy of control of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used to provide a boundary between exposure to the body and the potential danger received by the body.

Performance Evaluation of Bentonite/Nano-SiO2 Composite as Bleaching Earth in Crude Palm Oil Processing

Performance Evaluation of Bentonite/Nano-SiO2 Composite as Bleaching Earth in Crude Palm Oil Processing

Effects of Palm Oil Processing Waste on Soil Microorganisms

This work was carried out to perform the comparative analysis on the effects of palm oil processing waste (POPW) on soil Microorganisms. Three soil samples were collected from three different locations, North bank, Wurukum, and High-level where palm oil processing waste are being discharged. The samples were analyzed, Soil samples unimpacted with POPW served as control. The physicochemical parameters of the soil samples that are pH, moisture, Temperature and particulate nature were analysized using standard methods. The total coliform count, total viable count and total fungal counts were evaluated using the pour plate method. Result showed that the Total Coliform, Total viable count and Total fungal counts (200.77 ±16.525 mean of the three samples, 22.55 ±2.041 mean of three samples and 28.88 ±2.590 mean of the three samples) of the impacted soils were lower compared to the values (291.00 ±13.00 in control soil, 118.33 ±18.717 control soil and 44.33 ±1.527 control soil respectively) of the un-impacted soils which served as control. The bacterial genera isolated from these soil samples include; Bacillus spp, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus spp, Salmonella spp and Proteus spp. The fungal genera isolated from soils with POPW includes; Aspergillus spp, Rhizopus spp, and Mucor spp, the results obtained indicates that POPW have immediate negative impact on soil microbiota as their application could lead to changes which affects soil microbial communities. Therefore, it would be advised that proper guidelines be set up for possible pre-treatment and safe discharge of POPW, in other to avoid its effect on soil micro biota and soil fertility

Pengaruh Konsentrasi NaOH dan Suhu Delignifikasi pada Kandungan Lignoselulosa Tandan Kosong Kelapa Sawit

Palm oil processing in the industry produces products and waste; the waste generated from the palm oil processing process will have a negative impact on the environment if it is not processed. Oil palm empty fruit bunches are lignocellulosic solid wastes that contain cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose content, so they have the potential to be raw materials for making bioethanol. In the process of producing bioethanol, delignification is an early stage that aims to reduce the lignin content in lignocellulosic materials with alkaline or alkaline pretreatment solutions such as the use of NaOH can be used to help separate lignin from cellulose fibers. This study aimed to analyze the effect of NaOH concentration and delignification temperature on the lignocellulosic content of oil palm empty fruit bunches. The research method was arranged descriptively with two treatments: the concentration of NaOH consisting of 3%, 4%, and 5%, and the heating temperature consisting of 100 oC, 110 oC, and 120 oC. Lignocellulosic content can be calculated using the Chesson method analysis with the Microsoft Excel 2016 application as a data processor. The results showed that 1 M NaOH concentration with heating temperature had an effect on the observations of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin. The best treatment of 1 M NaOH concentration and heating temperature on hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin was produced by the treatment of 5% NaOH concentration with a heating temperature of 120 0C.

A Short Review: Photocatalysis As An Alternative Method for POME Treatment

The liquid waste produced due to palm oil processing is called palm oil mill effluent (POME). It is challenging to manage because of its high production and inadequate treatment. The discharge of raw POME into the environment will result in multiple detrimental effects and environmental pollution. This short review compares the conventional treatment methods in Malaysia, which are the ponding system for the treatment of POME and the open or closed digesting tank. These systems are unable to achieve the standards set by the Department of Environment (DOE) of Malaysia. Photocatalysts, which are well-known as catalysts in the decomposition of organic contaminants, are suggested as an alternative method for POME treatment. The viability of using photocatalytic technology to remediate POME waste is discussed in this short review. The advancement and improvement of the nanoparticle system for POME treatment are identified based on past studies. It is aimed at providing readers with a clear comparison of conventional POME treatment methods and information on photocatalysis as an alternative POME treatment method.

Profitability Analysis Of Palm Oil Production In Igbo Etiti Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria


 This study analyzed the profitability of palm oil production in Igbo Etiti L.G.A of Enugu State, Nigeria. Both multi-stage random and purposive sampling procedures were used to select 120 small-scale palm oil producers. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants and analysed using frequency, percentage, and gross margin analysis. The results show that more than half (55.0) percent of palm oil producers use the traditional method of palm oil processing to produce their product whereas 17.5 percent used the mechanical method. The producers sourced their palm fruits mainly from self-sourcing (65 percent), friends and relatives (55.8 percent), and the open market (44.2 percent). The profitability analysis indicates that the total cost of N2,503,100 was incurred as the production cost for palm oil in the 2021 production cycle, out of which N429,000 representing 17.1 percent was expended on the total fixed assets while the total variable cost gulped N2,074,100, representing 82.9 percent of the entire cost. The sum of N796,900 was realized as the net profit from palm oil production in the area. This attests to the profitability of palm oil production in the area. The benefit-cost ratio analysis yielded a value above one (1.3), confirming the viability of palm oil production in the area. The study recommends that the government should initiate a policy that will encourage more people to get involved in palm oil production, as well as, facilitate the transition of palm oil production from the traditional method to the mechanical method.