Purification of Produced Water from a Sour Oilfield in South Kuwait. 1. Oil-Water Separation and Industrial Salt Production

Produced water from an oil extraction site in South Kuwait was sampled after primary oil – water separation had been carried out. The produced water was filtered through a mixture of activated charcoal and esterified cellulosic material gained from spent coffee grounds as a tertiary adsorption treatment. The earth-alkaline metal ions and heavy metals were separated from the de-oiled produced water by addition of either sodium or potassium hydroxide in the presence of carbon dioxide or by direct addition of solid sodium carbonate. The resulting filtrate gave salt of industrial purity upon selective crystallization on evaporation.

Purification of Produced Water from a Sour Oilfield in South Kuwait. 2. Oil-Water Separation and Crystallization of Calcium Carbonate

Oil-water separation for produced water (PW) originating from an oil extraction site in South Kuwait was carried out using bleached, esterified cellulosic material from used coffee grounds. Thereafter, earth-alkaline metal ions, specifically calcium ions, of the de-oiled PW were removed by precipitation with sodium carbonate to give access to pure sodium chloride as industrial salt from the remaining PW. While the purity of the precipitated calcium carbonate (CaCO3) depends on the precipitation conditions, CaCO3 of up to 95.48% purity can be obtained, which makes it a salable product. The precipitation of CaCO3 decreases the amount of calcium ions in PW from 11,300 ppm to 84 ppm.

Jatropha curcas L. oil extracted by switchable solvent N, N-dimethylcyclohexylamine for biodiesel production

Biodiesel, which is a renewable and environmentally friendly fuel, has been studied widely to help remedy increasing environmental problems. One of the key processes of biodiesel production is oil extraction from oilseed materials. Switchable solvents can reversibly change from molecular to ionic solvents under atmospheric CO_2,and can be used for oil extraction. N, N-dimethylcyclohexylamine(DMCHA), a switchable solvent, was used to extract oil from Jatropha curcas L. oil seeds to produce biodiesel. The appropriate extraction conditions were:1:2 ratio of seed mass to DMCHA volume, 0.3–1 mm particle size, 200 r·min-1agitation speed, 60 min extraction time, and 30 °C extraction temperature. The extraction ratio was about 83%. This solvent extracted the oil more efficiently than hexane, and is much less volatile. By bubbling CO_2 under 1 atm and 25 °C for 5 h, the oil was separated, and DMCHA was recovered after releasing CO_2 by bubbling N_2 under 1 atm and 60 °C for 2 h. The residual solvent content in oil was about 1.7%. Selectivity of DMCHA was evaluated by detecting the protein and sugar content in oil. Using the oil with residual solvent to conduct transesterification process, the oil conversion ratio was approximately 99.5%.

Acid Value Determination and Pre-Esterification of Crude Euphorbia lathyris L. Oil

There were various problems in the determination of oil acid value of the national standard method, and this paper developed a low cost, simple and effective way to determine the acid value of oil and grease. Furthermore, the esterification of high acid Euphorbia lathyris L. oil (ELO) with methanol could be efficiently catalyzed by hydrochloric acid to produce biodiesel, and the influencing factors such as the amount of catalyst, reaction time, reaction temperature and molar ratio of oil to methanol were also studied. Under the optimized conditions with the oil to methanol molar ratio of 1:30 and a reaction temperature of 70℃, 95.8% oil conversion was obtained within 40 min in the presence of only 2.0 wt% of catalyst. Therefore, the low-cost non-edible Euphorbia lathyris L. oil as a raw material had good potential for the synthesis of biodiesel in industry.

Long-term effects of Nigella sativa L. oil on some physiological parameters in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The long-term effects of Nigella sativa L. oil on some physiological parameters were investigated in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. STZ-induced diabetic rats showed significant increases in the levels of blood glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL-cholesterol), uric acid, urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) while high density lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol) and total protein levels were significantly decreased compared to normal rats. Administration of black seed oil to diabetic rats resulted in a significant decrease in blood glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL–cholesterol ALT, AST and uric acid while HDL–cholesterol level was markedly increased compared to untreated diabetic rats after seven weeks of treatment. The results of this study indicate that the diet containing the oil of N. sativa improves the examined physiological parameters in STZ-induced diabetic rats especially when it is used for a longer period.

ω-3 Rich Tetracarpidum conophorum Oil Exhibits Better Prevention Effects for Cardiovascular Risk Factors than Corn Oil in Adult of Albinos Wistar Male Rats

Cardiovascular diseases are serious pathologies that affect an increasing number of people. Several preventive measures are generally used, including supplementing of oils in foods. Our objective was to compare the effects of Tetracarpidum conophorum oil (TC) and corn oil (CO) on serum lipid profiles of normal male rats. 42 Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups. Diets included TC oil (groups TC5, TC10 and TC20) and corn oil (groups CO5, CO10 and CO20) in proportions of 5%, 10% and 20%, with a control group (T). After 5 weeks of feeding, several parameters were measured during and after the study, including body weight, food intake and organ weights (kidney, liver and fat). Lipid profiles (total cholesterol, TG, HDL and LDL), glucose and protein levels were measured in the serum. The increase in body mass was inversely proportional to the amount of oil in the food. The decrease in body mass and adiposomatic index of group TC10 was significant (p < 0.05) compared with the other groups. The lowest glycaemia (64.17 ± 5.14 mg/dl) was noted with the diet containing 20% TC oil. A significant reduction in total cholesterol, LDL fraction and blood triglycerides was observed in the groups supplemented with TC and corn oils compared to controls. Results were also more beneficial for the TC10 group. HDL-cholesterol levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the oil-supplemented groups than in the control group. Castelli’s risk indices decrease significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing oil content for TC. The oils had no impact on blood protein contents. One can conclude that a diet containing 10% crude oil from TC kernels could prevent or alleviate cardiovascular diseases and glycemia.

Technological Impact on the Quality of Palm Oil from Burundi: Elaeis guineensis, Variety of Dura and Tenera

The objective of this study is to determine the factors responsible for the acidification of Burundi palm oils. The investigation of the duration of fermentation of palm fruits performed among artisanal producers found that more than 89% of producers from commune of Rumonge ferment for more than 5 days while more than 61% of those from commune of Mutimbuzi ferment for 4 days. The determination of acid value using the method of ISO 660:2009 showed that Dura and Tenera varieties fermented for 4 days had respectively 5.9 ± 2.3 and 5.8 ± 1.8 mg of KOH/g of oil for clustered fruits, 7.03 ± 3.4 and 7.02 ± 3.2 mg of KOH/g for destemmed fruits. After 8 days, the acid values of Dura and Tenera varieties obtained were respectively 10.9 ± 4.7 and 12.5 ± 5.4 mg KOH/g for clustered fruits, 12.5 ± 5.4 and 12.5 ± 4.1 mg KOH/g for destemmed fruits. No significant difference was recorded between varieties. On the other hand, a highly significant difference at p < 0.05 was obtained between fruits fermented in the open air (e.g. around the foot of the oil palm, FFOA), in a shed when the fruits were not covered (SFNC) and in a shed when the fruits were covered by branches or straw (SFC). At 8 days of fermentation, the acid values of FFOA, SFNC and SFC were 9.1 ± 0.7 < 12.6 ± 0.8 < 17.7 ± 1.4 for destemmed fruit and 9.1 ± 0.7 < 13.2 ± 1.3 < 13.2 ± 3.2 for clustered fruit, respectively. In light of these results, the acidity of Rumonge palm oil is probably due to the long fermentation time and the technique of covering the fruits during fermentation. These results will allow producers to extract good quality oil and consequently improve the health of consumers.

The Effect of Reaction Temperature, Catalyst Concentration and Alcohol Ratio in the Production of Biodiesel from Raw and Purified Castor Oil

In this study, a homogeneous alkaline catalyst was used in the production of biodiesel from raw and refined castor oil feedstock. The effect of potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a catalyst between the two feedstocks, raw and refined castor oil was compared. The transesterification technique was utilized in this study, aiming to investigate the effect of different parameters, which include the reaction temperature, methanol-to-oil mole ratio, and catalyst concentration at a constant period of 90 minutes. The result revealed the performance of the KOH catalyst on raw castor oil yielded 98.49% FAME, which was higher than the refined castor oil which yielded 97.9% FAME. The optimal conditions obtained from refined castor oil were applied to raw castor oil because of the same properties. The fuel quality of castor oil and produced biodiesel were tested for physicochemical properties.

Cosmetic or Dietary Vegetable Oils Sampled in the Cameroonian Market May Not Expose Consumers to Lipid Oxidation Products Generating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Vegetable oils are a source of energy, essential fatty acids, antioxidants and fat-soluble vitamins useful for human health care and development. These oils also contribute to organoleptic quality of their products’ derivatives. However, their chemical and physical properties can be modified by the mode of their extraction, storage and distribution. These modifications might negatively affect the nutritional quality of the oils. The goals of this study were to: sample different vegetable oils for cosmetic or dietary use marketed in Cameroon, and verify purity and oxidation states of each kind of oil through determination of its acidity, iodine, peroxide, saponification, refractive indexes and the conformity of the labeling. The carotene content, the level of polar components and specific absorbance were also determined. As the result, six oils namely palm, palm kernel, coconut, black cumin, peanut and shea butter were collected. Apart from labeling, chemicals and physicals parameters analyzed were generally in accordance with the Cameroonian and Codex Alimentarius standard. This study suggests that vegetable oils sampled in the Cameroonian market may not expose consumers to lipid oxidation products generating pathological oxidative stress and inflammation. However, efforts in application of existing standard need to be done as far as labeling are concerned.

Physicochemical Properties of the Seed Oil of Khaya senegalensis

The physicochemical characteristics of Khaya senegalensis seed oil were investigated. Iodine value, saponification value, percentage free fatty acid (FFA), acid value, and peroxide value were the chemical parameters examined in the oil analysis, while specific gravity and refractive index were examined as physical parameters. The results showed that the acid value was 1.18 ± 0.01, the saponification value was 191.76 ± 0.01 mgKOH/gm, and the iodine value was 102.79 ± 0.01. It contained 0.59 ± 0.01 percent free fatty acid. The value of peroxide was 6.83 ± 0.01 meq/kg. The results showed that the refractive index was 1.462 ± 0.02 and the specific gravity was 0.9194 ± 0.04. The established parameters fell within the worldwide and Nigerian vegetable oil industry standards.

Physical and Chemical Characterizations of Rubber Latex Cup Bottom Oil

Rubber latex is an important economic resource. However, the residues from its harvesting are thrown away, even though they contain lipids that can be recycled. This recovery of the residues from the bottom of the cup requires first and foremost their characterization. The aim of this study is therefore to determine the main physical and chemical characteristics of rubber latex cup bottom oil. Oil’s physical parameters determination shows that it has a density of 951 kg∙m−3, a kinematic viscosity of 48.57 cSt and a water content of 0.0845%. Chemical parameters, meanwhile, indicate that this cup bottom residue has a fat content of 95.96%, an acid number of 2.805 mg KOH/g and an iodine number of 92.42 g I2/100g. Therefore, rubber latex cup bottom oil can be used in the formulation of biofuels, biolubricants, paints, varnishes, alkyd resins, polishing oils, soaps, and insecticides.

Fatty Acid Composition of Hazelnut Kernel Oil from Coula edulis Collected in the Republic of Congo

Coula edulis is non-timber forest product (NTFP) used in Africa for its hazelnuts, which contain edible seeds with a demonstrated nutritional potential. However, there have been very few scientific studies of this species in the Republic of Congo. Thus, the aim of the current study was therefore to determine the fatty acid composition of the oil extracted from Coula edulis hazelnut seeds collected at random in the Republic of Congo. The oil was extracted using the Soxhlet method and its fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography. The extracted oil from Coula edulis hazelnut kernels is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (95.28%), particularly oleic acid (94.5%), which classifies it as an oleic oil and gives it interesting nutritional and therapeutic properties. On the other hand, saturated fatty acids (4.15%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (0.35%) are not well represented. Its low poly-unsaturated fatty acid content makes it more stable when stored at room temperature.

Formulation of Motor Oil from Blends of Rubber Latex Cup Bottom Oil (RLBO) and Used Frying Oil (UFO)

Most motor oils are made from mineral oils derived from petroleum, the reserves of which are limited and exhaustible. The aim of this study is to produce and characterize motor oil formulations based on mixtures of rubber latex cup bottom oil (RLCBO) and used frying oil (UFO). The results show that these formulations have a density between 0.91 and 0.92. These densities evolve linearly with the proportion of cup bottom oil and temperature. Similarly, the kinematic viscosity of the blends follows an exponential relationship with temperature. By plotting the logarithm of these kinematic viscosities against the inverse of the temperature, we were able to determine the activation energy of the various blends and deduce that the formulations behave Newtonian.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Effects of Capybara Oil on Cardiac Remodeling of C57bl/6 Mice

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in the world, and obesity and the metabolic syndrome are risk factors for its development. One of the therapies to reduce cardiovascular risk is the use of polyunsaturated fatty acids. In Brazil, a source of such acid is the oil extracted from the fat of the capybara. The objective of this work is to study the effects of the capybara oil on lipid and glucose metabolism, as well as its effects on the adipose tissue and cardiac remodeling. We assessed the effects of capybara oil treatment on body mass, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, systolic blood pressure, adipose tissue and cardiac remodeling, and performed an ultrastructural evaluation of the myocardium in C57Bl/6 mice treated with high-fat diet. Treatment with capybara oil reduced total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, systolic blood pressure, visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue, and adipocyte diameter. In addition, cardiac remodeling was attenuated, preserving cardiomyocytes, increasing vascularization, reducing cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and the extracellular matrix, and preserving the morphological integrity of mitochondria. Capybara oil has several beneficial effects on the cardiovascular and metabolic system, and further studies are needed to better understand its role in the prevention or treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Heavy Metal Levels and Ecological Risk in Crude Oil-Contaminated Soils from Okpare-Olomu, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Crude oil spills have inflicted extensive disruption upon the Niger Delta ecosystem, resulting in crop loss and severe environmental damage. Such spills exacerbate heavy metal concentration within soil due to the presence of metallic ions. The Okpare-Olomu community has borne the brunt of crude oil pollution from illicit bunkering, sabotage, and equipment malfunction. This study targets an evaluation of ecological hazards linked to heavy metals (HMs) in crude oil impacted agriculturally soils within Okpare-Olomu in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State. In this study, 24 topsoil samples were obtained from areas affected by crude oil pollution;the heavy metal content was evaluated through atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentration ranges for HMs (mg/kg) in soil were: 24.1 - 23,174 (Cu);0.54 - 37.1 (Cd);9.05 - 54 (Cr);12 - 174 (Ni);18.5 - 8611 (Pb);and 148 - 9078 (Zn) at a soil depth of 0 - 15 cm. Notably, metal concentrations were recorded to be above permissible World Health Organization limits. Predominantly, Zn and Pb recorded higher heavy metal concentration when compared to other heavy metals analysed, notably at sampling points PT7 through PT24. Zinc and Pb contamination exhibited highly significant contamination factors, and contamination severity was evidenced across all sample points, signifying a grave risk level. Pollution load indices indicated pervasive extreme pollution levels. Geoaccumulation indices signaled moderate to strong pollution, mainly by Pb and Zn. Ecological risk assessments revealed variable levels of heavy metal contamination, from low to very high, with potential ecological risk reflecting markedly elevated levels. This study underscores the imperative for soil remediation to rectify ecological imbalances in agriculturally affected soil constituents.

Oil Saturation Is Determined by Different Experimental Methods

Oil saturation was an important parameter of reservoir evaluation, which had important guiding significance for oilfield development. In this paper, the oil saturation of tight oil in G area was studied, and the original oil saturation of the study area was studied by using the comprehensive experimental method. The original oil saturation of tight oil in the study area was determined by J function method, rock electricity method and oil-based mud coring method. The results showed that through the comparison of three experimental methods, it could be concluded that the J function method leads to the low value of oil saturation in the study area. The oil-based mud coring method was more suitable for the determination of oil saturation in this area than the other two methods because it needs to meet too many conditions and the calculation results were also low. G area was located in Qili Village, Ordos Basin.

Investigation of Oil Vapours in Hydro-Generator

The article discusses engineering approaches to solving the problem of oil vapours in generators. Due to the design characteristics of each power plant, it is difficult to find a typical solution. Nevertheless, the article suggests ways to reduce the amount of oil mist. For their implementation, a calculation methodology based on the substitution scheme of the hydraulic path of the bearing support unit is created which takes into account the design features of the bearing and the parameters of the environment around the oil bath. The methodology employed is presented. The numerical method of modelling the aerodynamic fields of the entire hydro generator is used to estimate the air flows and pressures in the oil bath zone of the thrust bearing. Additionally, the method made it possible to track suspected oil particles that could get from the thrust-bearing bath into the surrounding area of the generator. Measures are proposed to reduce the level of oil mist through the competent design of the oil vapour removal system from the bearing bath.

Optimization of Diesel and Crude Oil Degradation in a Ghanaian Soil Using Organic Wastes as Amendment

Soil contamination by hydrocarbons poses numerous environmental, health and agricultural problems. The degradation of these pollutants can occur naturally but very slowly. It is therefore generally necessary to stimulate this degradation by different means. Thus, this study aimed to improve the bio-degradation of diesel and crude oil in a Ghanaian soil by biostimulation. For this, the sampled soil was characterized by standard methods and contaminated with diesel and crude oil at a proportion of 1% (w/w). Then, contaminated soil samples were supplemented with biochar-compost, poultry manure or cow dung at the proportion of 10% (w/w). Periodically, fractions of these samples were taken to evaluate the density of hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria (HUB) and the residual quantities of diesel or crude oil. The characteristics of the soil used show the need for supplementation for better degradation of hydrocarbons. The results of the study show that supplementing the soil with organic substrates increases HUB loads in soils contaminated by diesel and crude oil. They also show that the residual quantities of diesel and crude oil are generally significantly lower in supplemented soils (p = 0.048 and p < 0.0001 respectively). In addition, the study shows that degradation was generally greater in soils contaminated by diesel compared to those contaminated by crude oil, especially at the end of the study.

Extraction, Production and Quality Evaluation of Margarine from Oil Extracted from Waste Biomass Peels of Avocado and Virgin Coconut Oil, Using Chitosan from Reared Shells as Preservative

The production and consumption of avocado pears generates tons of wastes, mainly the pear peels which are usually discarded, although they have been reported to contain important phyto-chemicals with biological activities. The adverse health effect associated with the consumption of saturated lipid based foods has ignited research on reformulation of lipid based foods to eliminate Trans Fatty Acids (TFAs). This study was thus aimed at the extraction and characterization of oil from Avocado Peels (APO) and evaluation of the quality of margarine produced from it. Five verities of pear were used for oil extraction by soxhlet method and physiochemical, oxidative, functional and antioxidant characterization was done. Margarines were formulated using a central composite design using oil blends of APO and Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) with an oil ratio of 10:90, 40:60, 70:30 respectively, varied blending speed, blending time, and chitosan concentration. Samples were characterized and the effect of process parameters on the physiochemical and functional properties of the margarine studied. Optimized conditions were used to produce samples for sensory evaluation. Color, spreadability, aroma, taste and general acceptability was evaluated using ranking difference test. The results showed that the yield, density, and iodine values of APOs oils ranged from 14.91 ± 0.18 to 11.76 ± 0.46;0.93 ± 0.001 to 0.99 ± 0.1;46.63 ± 1.70 to 52.4 ± 0.63, their acid values, TBA and PV values ranged from 1.42 ± 0.39 to 1.97 ± 0.5;0.11 ± 0.002 to 0.18 ± 0.04;and 2.72 ± 0.14 to 4.43 ± 0.36 respectively, with Brogdon avocado peel variety having the overall best properties prepared blends of trans-free APO margarines showed that increase in APO ratio decreased melting point, increased oxidative stability and reduced moisture content of margarine samples. Chitosan addition leads to decrease moisture content and increase functional properties. VCO lead to increase in phenolic and flavonoid content of the margarines. Samples were spreadable and palatable with R20 being most palatable and the most accepted being R26 with a mean score of 7.07 ± 0.70. Decrease in color intensity increased acceptability. This study therefore demonstrated that avocado peel waste biomass can be valorized by using it as raw material for oil extraction, which can serve as good material for the production of trans-free margarines with good oxidative stability, functional and antioxidant properties.

The Essential Oil of Ocimum americanum from Senegal and Gambia as a Source of Methyleugenol for the Control of Bactrocera dorsalis, Fruit Fly

The fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) is one of the most important pests in all mango-producing areas, particularly in West Africa. In Senegal, O. americanum leaves have been used for several years to control this fly. However, to our knowledge, no chemical studies have been carried out. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine the chemical composition of the essential oil of O. americanum leaves collected in Senegal and Gambia. The essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation of these leaves is analyzed by GC/FID and GC/MS. Yields of essential oils from O. americanum leaves are 3.84% and 2.13%, respectively. Analysis of these essential oils by GC/FID and GC/MS allowed the identification of 23 compounds representing almost 100% of the total compositions. These essential oils are mainly dominated by methyleugenol (72.0% and 75.8%, respectively). Other components in significant percent are trans-β-caryophyllene (13.9% and 13.0%, respectively), germacrene D (4.1% and 3.7%, respectively), β-elemene (3.3% and 0.9%, respectively). Due to the high methyleugenol content, this study explains the attractive potential of O. americanum towards B. dorsalis. In perspective, we plan to evaluate the attractive effect of the essential oil and leaf powder of O. americanum against B. dorsalis, a real pest of mango orchards in Senegal.