Fatty acids composition profile evaluation of Palm oil in crude oil polluted environment

In this study, the fatty acid profile of oils obtained from palm tree grown on polluted soil in Southern Nigeria. Oil extraction was performed using traditional method. Carotenoid content of palm kernel and palm oil in the test oil showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease when compared to the controls. Mores so, acid and peroxide value increased (p<0.05) significantly in the test oil when compared to the control. The percentage composition of various fatty acids of palm kernel oil from polluted soil were caprilic 2.99%, capric 52.67%, lauric 16.69%, palmitic 8.06% and stearic 19.57%. Fatty acid percentage composition of palm kernel oil from unpolluted soil were caprilic 2.66%, capric 49.18%, lauric 15.17%, palmitic 8.47%, and oleic acid 0.92%. Fatty acid percentage compositions of palm oil from polluted soil were myristic acid 0.28%, palmitoleic 62.09%, oleic acid 37.62%. Unpolluted soil showed lauric acid 0.36%, palmitic acid 44.57% and oleic 55.05%. The absence of palmitic acid and the reduction of oleic acid could be attributed to the impact of the crude oil spillage on the plant. This study shows that crude oil spillage affects composition of fatty acid and oil chemistry, suggesting the use of oil as indicator for environmental pollution.