Abubakar and Naomi's Project 2022

CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROND OF THE STUDY
The water melon (Citrullus lanatus) fruit belongs to the family of cucurbitaceae. The plant
produces a special type of fruit known by botanists as a berry which has a thick rind (exocarp)
and fleshy center (mesocarp and endocarp). Water melon fruit has a smooth exterior rind, green,
juicy, sweet interior flesh (dark red). The inner rind being white or light green. This fruit
contains about 6% sugar and 90% water by weight and a lot of nutrients like carbohydrate, fat,
protein, minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and Zinc and Vitamins
like vitamin B, C and notably Vitamin A through its concentration of beta- carotene. The fruit
contains many obovate, smooth compressed seeds thickened at the margin and of a black or
yellowish white color. Watermelon plays a very important role in Africa as it is used to quench
thirst when there is shortage of water. The seed of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) can be bruised
and rubbed up with water to form an emulsion, which can be used to cure catarrhal infections,
disorders of the bowels, urinary passage and fever. It is also being used as worm expeller, in
recent years it has been used to expel tape worm (Abiodun and Adeleke, 2010). In Nigeria, the
watermelon seed is often discarded after the juicy part has been eaten. The seed constitutes a
public nuisance because the sellers of watermelon do not dispose of these in a hygienic manner.
Therefore, this project work when successfully completed will convert waste into wealth. From
previous studies on watermelon seed oil, it is light penetrating and rich in essential fatty acids
(Abiodun and Adeleke, 2010). As a result of importance of drying techniques, this research was
designed to observe the effect of two drying methods on the physico-chemical properties of the
seed oil and also to determine its edibility and effectiveness in soap making. In Africa,
Watermelon seeds have been prized for the highly nutritive oil that they contain. Traditionally,
the seeds are removed from the rind and then allowed to dry outside in the sun. Once dried, the
seeds are then pressed to extract the beneficial oil. Natural Sourcing provides the most superior
watermelon seed oil available. It is carefully processed and packaged to maintain the purity,
freshness and beneficial properties of this exceptional watermelon seed oil. The fatty acid profile
of edible oils plays an important role in their stability and nutritional value. Monounsaturated
(18:1) and polyunsaturated (18:2) fatty acids have been found to be effective replacements for
saturates as part of cholesterol-lowering diets (Mattson and Grundy, 1985).
However, it is also known that the oils with substantial amounts of unsaturation, particularly 18:2
fatty acids, are susceptible to oxidation and may produce products that contribute to
arteriosclerosis and carcinogenesis. Some studies with experimental animals indicate that
excessive amounts of linoleic acid promote carcinogenesis(Kubow, 1990).Watermelon seed oil,
rich in linoleic acid (~64.5 %), is used for frying and cooking in some African and Middle
Eastern American countries owning to its unique flavour (Akoh and Nwosu, 1992).
1
Much research has been published on the oxidative stability of some vegetable or fruit oils, but a
little has been reported on the stability of watermelon seed oil. The modification of watermelon
seed oil fatty acid composition by incorporation of oleic acid (18:1) has been explored
(Charment et al., 1997). The modified watermelon seed oil was produced with the better balance
of monounsaturated (18:1) and essential Fatty acids (18:2), and also improved the seed oil
oxidative stability and nutritional value (Charment et al., 1998). The watermelon family
Cucurbitaceae is the most popular fruit in Serbia, with a traditional name ″lubenica″.
Unfortunately, there is no information of domestic application or medicinal values of this seed
oil for cooking and or frying as useful source of oil with good nutritional value. Thus,
watermelon seed oil composition (physical and chemical) shall be evaluated in this present study.
The data generated in the work will help in the future selection of watermelon seed oil for use in
human diet. The light texture, moisturizing capabilities and stable shelf life of watermelon seed
oil makes it a highly suitable emollient in natural baby care formulations and light body
emulsions. Unlike mineral oil that is a common ingredient in commercial skin projects,
watermelon seed oil does not clog pores or prevent the body from natural elimination of toxins
through the skin. The rich composition of essential fatty acid contained in watermelon seed oil
nourishes and restores elasticity to the skin (Akoh and Nwosu, 1992). It may be recommended
for use in skin care formulations for all skin types including dry, oily and maturing skin.
Watermelon seed oil may also be a perfect choice for inclusion in hair care formulations as it is
non greasy yet highly moisturizing. This research work will study the different physiochemical
compositions of the oil and its edibility for domestic use and in the cosmetic industry.
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1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
In Nigeria, the watermelon seed is often discarded after the juicy part has been eaten. The
seed constitutes a public nuisance because the sellers of watermelon do not dispose of
these in a hygienic way. Therefore, this project work when completed will successfully
convert waste to wealth which is a good form of waste management.
Investigation indicates that a cholesterol rich diet causes abnormally high levels of
cholesterol and the related fats and lipids in the blood. Evidence strongly indicates that
people with such high levels are more likely to develop atherosclerosis and heart attacks
than those with lower levels.
1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
1.3.1 AIM
The aim of this research project is to investigate the effect of geographical location on the
physiochemical properties of edible water melon seed oil.
1.3.2 OBJECTIVES
1. To extract oil from watermelon seed using Soxhlet apparatus.

2. To use food grade ethanol as a solvent.
3. To carryout physiochemical analysis of the extracted oil
4. To carryout GC-MS analysis of the extracted oil
5. To study the effect of geographical location on the extracted oil
1.4 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
1. Extraction of oil from watermelon seed obtained from two different location by
solvent extraction method
2. Determination of the physiochemical properties of the oil
3. Determination of the effect of geographical location on the physiochemical
properties of the oil.
4. To carryout GC-MS analysis of the extracted oil.
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1.5 JUSTIFICATION AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Nutrients in watermelon seeds are able to ward off cancer, improve and or prevent
cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and reduce levels of bad cholesterol. The oil obtained from
the seed is a good source of healthy fat high in unsaturated fat better than low-fat foods,
because of increasing HDL (good cholesterol) and lower LDL (bad cholesterol).

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CHAPTER ONE

1.1 BACKGROND OF THE STUDY

1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1. To extract oil from watermelon seed using Soxhlet apparatus.

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