Bleaching of crude marula oil using activated bentonite and activated marula shells: A comparative analysis

Refining of edible and cosmetic oil consists various steps which include bleaching process. Bleaching is an important step as it removes colour pigments resulting in improvement taste appearance. In this work, activated bentonite marula shells were used to refine crude oil. Fresh was using H2SO4 whilst both KOH. Vacuum performed the shells. Fresh, activated, spent bentonites analysed X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Florescence (XRF), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) for phase identification, elemental composition crystalline material, functional groups present thermal decomposition materials. Analysis β-carotene chlorophyll done UV–visible spectrophotometer on bleached oils. Acid values (AV) free fatty acids (FFA) calculated standard procedures. The effects acid activation parameters investigated namely, concentration time. alkali improved adsorption properties fresh remove pigments. Increase time resulted increase capacity adsorbent. Optimum concentrations 2 N 15 respectively optimum times 7 1.5 h respectively. study indicated that are effective successful improving appearance required quality standards. Marula a by-product waste processing its use assists utilization in-line with circular economy principles.