Figure 3.1 GC-MS data for derivatised PFAD

Palmitic acid (C16:0) was found to be the dominant fatty acid in the PFAD sample with the longest peak (Fig. 4.1) and largest percentage value of 46.63. It belongs to the saturated class of fatty acids. Next is the oleic acid (C18:1; n9), under the unsaturated fatty acids and belonging to the monounsaturated fatty acid subclass was found to be the fatty acid valued at 32.30%. The values of palmitic acid and oleic acid in Table 3.2 were found comparable with values from different reported studies ranged between 35 – 60% for palmitic acid and between 15 – 46% for oleic acid (Chang et al., 2016; Bonnie and Mohtah, 2009; Moh et al., 1999 and Bostinestiean et al., 2012).

All major fatty acids have been identified by many authors and there are inherent differences in individual contents of fatty acids when compared to the bibliographic references. These inconsistencies are ascribed to the nature of cultivars used, the cultivation or environmental factor, and process conditions of refinement of feedstock.

Table 3.2 Mass spectroscopy of identified compounds from derivatised PFAD