Comparative Study of the Physicochemical Properties of Oil from Underutilized Seeds of Citrus Paradisi, Citrus Lemon and Citrus Sinensis

Citrus paradisi, Citrus lemon, and Citrus sinensis seeds were cold extracted in this research using n-hexane after air drying and grinding, the percentage yield of Citrus paradisi, Citrus lemon and Citrus sinensis oil extract was 26.16 %, 24.79 % and 34.54 % respectively. Using standard methods, the physicochemical properties of the oils from Citrus paradisi, Citrus lemon, and Citrus sinensis were ascertained yielding the following results respectively; Acid value: 0.62 mg KOH/g, 2.26 mg KOH/g and 7.56 mg KOH/g; Saponification value: 195.86 mg KOH/g, 188.00 mg KOH/g and 193.65 mg KOH/g; Iodine value: 126.53 gI2/100g, 110.66 gI2/100g and 83.50 gI2/100g; Peroxide value: 6.51 meq/kg, 0.62 meq/kg and 5.72 meq/kg; Specific gravity: 0.85 g, 0.85 g and 0.87 g; Density: 0.87 g/cm3, 0.95 g/cm3 and 0.88 g/cm3; pH value: 4.92, 4.26 and 4.21; Ester value: 195.24 mg KOH/g, 185.74 mg KOH/g and 186.09 mg KOH/g. Instead of allowing them to become a worrying threat as pollutants and waste in the environment, the oils from Citrus paradisi, Citrus lemon, and Citrus sinensis seeds could be used domestically in homes as edible oils and in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries to make soap, lubricant, creams, and drugs.