1

CHAPTER 1
A. Background of the study
Banana (Musa spp.) is one of the most common and widely grown fruit crops in the
Philippines. It is also one of the countrys major export products and banana ranked next to
coconut oil and prawn in terms of value earning during the last five years (Department of
Agriculture, 2010).

Banana peel is left as waste and scattered in and around or thrown away in the garbage
bin. Annual world production of banana is estimated at 75 million tonnes including
approximately 19 million tonnes of peel. In most cases during marketing and consumption it
is termed as waste as in the cases of other fruits. There are many possible end uses for banana
peels. In the Philippines, peels are sun dried into chips for export to Japan and Taiwan for use
as feed fillers in processing. It has also a potential as raw material for biofuel. It contains
Fructo-Oligosaccaride components (Kurtoglu, G. and Yildiz, S., 2011). Triglycerides are
needed in the transesterification of biodiesel which is found in the fructose of any fruit. The
peel wastes from banana may contain the same valuable components generally found in
banana flesh. These valuable substances may be used as materials for preparations with
energy values (Solidum, 2011).

Renewable Energy sources accounted for 43% of the countrys primary energy mix in
2009. However, its contribution to total power supply is likely to decline in the next five
years due to its comparatively higher cost and the preference of local officials turn to familiar
sources of power to address rapidly growing demand. The use of solar, wind and geothermal
energy was found to be expensive thus there is a need to look for alternative renewable
energy that is cost-effective for our country.

In 2010, there were 6.6 million registered motor vehicles, seven percent higher than the
previous years level, according to data from the Philippine Land Transportation Office.
Motorcycles or tricycles, utility vans and cars accounted for 52, 26 and 12 percent share,
respectively, of overall registered motor vehicles in 2010 (Corpuz, 2011). The majority of
overall Philippine motor vehicles run on diesel fuel. In 2009, there were 6.2 million
2

registered motor vehicles according to the Land Transportation Office (Corpuz, 2010). The
demand for biodiesel remains high but its availability depends on largely on world market
from oil producing countries which controls the market price for biodiesel.

Biodiesel is a renewable, alternative diesel fuel of domestic origin derived from a variety
of fats and oils by a transesterification reaction; thus, it consists of the alkyl esters, usually
methyl esters, of the fatty acids of the parent oil or fat. An advantage of biodiesel is its
potential to significantly reduce most regulated exhaust emissions, including particulate
matter, with the exception of nitrogen oxides (Knothe, 2005).

Biodiesel is energy efficient. It displaces petroleum-derived diesel fuel .Biodiesel can be
used as a 20% blend in most diesel equipment with no or only minor modifications. It can
reduce global warming gas emissions and tailpipe emissions, including air toxics. Biodiesel
is considered as nontoxic, biodegradable, and suitable for sensitive environments. Biodiesel
also degrades about four times faster than petroleum diesel thus it more environment
friendly.

Republic Act No. 9513 states that the Philippines will accelerate the exploration and
development of renewable energy sources such as, but not limited to, biomass, solar, wind,
hydro, geothermal and ocean energy sources including hybrid, to achieve energy, self-
reliance, through the adaptation of sustainable energy development strategies to reduce the
countrys dependence on fossil fuels and thereby minimize the countrys exposure to price
fluctuations in the international markets, the effects of which spiral down to most all sectors
of the country.

It is therefore necessary to investigate alternative sources of renewable energy. The bulk
of waste from banana peel shows a great potential of biodiesel from biomass. This study
therefore will extract and characterize biodiesel from banana (Musa paradisiaca) peelings. It
will also aim to measure the volume of oil and biodiesel extracted from banana peel.


3

B. Statement of the problem
This study aims to extract and characterize biodiesel from banana (Musa paradisiaca)
peelings.

C. Objectives
1. To measure the volume (mL) of biodiesel extracted from banana (Musa paradisiaca)
peelings;

2. To determine the percent yield (%) of extracted oil from banana (Musa paradisiaca)
peelings;

3. To determine the percent yield (%) of extracted biodiesel from banana (Musa
paradisiaca) peelings;

4. To determine the amount (%) of total, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.

D. Significance of the Study
Global warming has been a major environmental concern for years. An increase in the
Earths temperature would drastically affect the ecosystems around the globe, and species
that cannot adapt to the changing conditions would die out. Part of the both polar ice caps
would melt, raising the water levels worldwide and can cause flooding in low areas. Higher
temperatures may cause some weather irregularities that can negatively affect the worlds
populations and industries.
The Philippine government, in order to slow down and reduce the effects of global
warming, passed Republic Act 9367 or Biofuels Act of 2006. Aside from reducing the
countrys greenhouse gas emissions, this program also aims to reduce dependence on
imported oil and to increase rural employment and income.
With this law, the challenge is to develop and utilize renewable energy without damaging
the natural ecosystems and biodiversity. Biodiesels, among other sustainable energy sources,
naturally comes to mind. A major source of the currently available biodiesels comes from
4

plants, and it could be from the seeds, flowers, fruit flesh, or peelings. Banana is a major cash
crop in the Philippines. In some places, bananas are a part of the daily Filipino diet. Instead
of throwing away the inedible banana peels, we thought of having them as a fuel source. Our
research, to extract and characterize biodiesel from Musa paradisiaca (banana) fruit peel,
centers on the given requirement to produce a feasible source of renewable energy. Since
banana peel oil contains combustible sugar and carbohydrates, it could be a biodiesel source
after the necessary laboratory extractions and processes. If it is found that Musa paradisiaca
peelings are a remarkably efficient biodiesel source, it could provide possible employment
opportunities for Filipinos and would be an alternative to the more commonly used but
detrimental fossil fuels.
E. Scope and Delimitation
The scope of this study is limited to extracting and analyzing feasibility of biodiesel from
banana (Musa paradsaica) peelings. This study deals with the feasibility of using banana
peelings as a source of biodiesel for public utility vehicle engines. This research will also
cover if biodiesel from banana peelings is an easily sustainable and renewable energy source
that can be substituted for the fossil fuels that we currently use.

In the conduct of this study, we would use gas chromatography method for the fatty acid
methyl ester analysis to check the feasibility of our product. The results obtained will be
compared to the required amount of fatty acid methyl ester given by AOAC. Other factors
such as the ripeness of banana peel and the shell life of banana oil that will be used in
biodiesel making will be disregarded.

F. Definition of terms
The following terms used in this study are given their respective conceptual and
operational meanings.
Banana (Musa paradisiaca ) is a long and slightly curved fruit with creamy colored soft
flesh and a skin that turns from green to yellow when ripe.
In this study, the peel of the banana will be utilized in extracting oil for biodiesel.
5

Biodiesel shall refer to fatty acid methyl ester or mono-alkyl esters derived from banana
oil that will be technically proven and approved by comparing the values given by ASTM,
AOCS, EN and ISO for PUV engines.
In this study, this will be extracted from the banana peelings.
Extraction is the separation of a substance from a mixture by dissolving one or more of
the components in a solvent.
In this study, this refers to the Soxhlet extraction method.
























6

CHAPTER 2

A. Banana (Musa paradisiaca)
Banana is a long and slightly curved fruit with creamy colored soft flesh and a skin that turns
from green to yellow when ripe. Bananas are popular for aroma, texture, and easy to peel and
eat, besides rich in potassium and calcium and low in sodium content (Mohapatra, 2010).

Banana (Musa sp.) is one of the most common and widely grown fruit crops in the
Philippines. It is also one of the countrys major dollar earners and banana ranked next to
coconut oil and prawn in terms of value earning during the last five years.

Musa paradisiaca grows to as tall as 20 feet; fruit is angular; has thick peel that is green
when unripe, yellow when ripe; flesh is white when ripe; gestation period is 15 to 16 months
(Department of Agriculture, 2010).

The ripe banana fruit is pureed, candied and preserved in various forms when not eaten fresh.
Its extract is used in the manufacture of ketchup, vinegar and wine. The unripe fruit is powdered
and chipped. In rural areas the young leaves are pounded and applied to injuries to suppress
bleeding. The leaves are also used widely as packing materials for fruits and vegetables in
market centers. Banana fiber is woven into rope, and mat. Sheets of paper and paper boards are
also made from banana peel. Banana blossom is exported, dried and usually added to meat
recipes (Department of Agriculture, 2010).

A.1. Banana Peel
The peel of banana represents forty percent of the total weight of the fruit, however
unutilized (Alkarkhi and others, 2010). These peels are usually discarded as waste after the
inner fleshy portion has been eaten (Oladiji and others, 2010). Banana peel waste is normally
disposed in municipal landfills, which contribute to the environmental problems
(Wachirasiri, 2009).

7

Recycling of fruit peel wastes will not only help lessen solid waste problems but also
help discover important substances that may prove to have vital use. The peel wastes from
Saba may contain the same valuable components generally found in banana flesh. These
valuable substances may be used to formulate preparations with pharmacologic or medicinal,
nutritive, and energy values (Solidum, 2011).

A.2. Chemical Composition
The following are the major composition of banana peel: Natural moisture 83.8 %,
Protein 6.1%, Ether extract 8.7%, Crude Fibre 10.0%, total sugar 22.0%, total ash 12.1%,
Soluble ash 11.7%, Calcium 0.35%, Magnesium 0.23%, Sodium trace, Potassium 5.72%,
Phosphorus 0.32%, Sulfur trace, Chlorine 0.64% (Sherng and Yiming ,2011).

B. Oil from banana peel

B.1. Soxhlet Extraction
Extraction includes two steps: (1) Contact of the solvent with the solid to be treated so as
to transfer the soluble constituent or solute to the solvent, and separation or washing of the
solution from the residual solid. (2) Solid liquid extraction (leaching) is the process of
removing a solute or solutes from a solid by using of liquid solvent. Process may come in
three parts: (1) Diffusion of the solvent through the pores of the solid, (2) diffused solvent
dissolves the solutes (i.e. transfer the solute to liquid phase), and (3) transfer of solution from
porous solids to the main bulk of the solution (Department of Chemical Engineering:
Bogazici University, 2012).

The process begins with a solvent vapor, which is generated by gently heating the
reservoir, condenses and is allowed to drip back onto the porous sample cup. The liquid
condensate that drips onto the sample performs the extraction which then passes through the
container and back into the reservoir. The cycle is repeated continuously and can be
sustained as long as needed. As it progresses the oil is concentrated in the reservoir
(CHEMO, 2003).

8


C. Biodiesel
C.1. Description
Biodiesel refers to fatty acid methyl ester or mono-alkyl ester derived from vegetable oil,
or animal fats and other biomass-derived oils that shall be technically proven and approved
by the DOE (Department of Energy) with quality specifications in accordance with the PNS
(Philippine National Standards) (Corpuz, 2010).

C.2 Impact and Issues
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimated in 2008 that biofuels
accounted for approximately ten percent of the recent food price increases around the world.
The key success factors for the future of biofuels will be gradual expansion in cultivated land
and considerable increases in agricultural productivity. This will require a broad political
commitment, including introduction of badly needed land reforms, better irrigation, and use
of fertilizers and further development of transport infrastructure. The development of second-
generation biofuels that can help to limit the direct competition between food and biofuel that
is associated with mostly first generation biofuels should be a priority for sustainability of
biofuels (World Energy Council, 2010).
There is a continuous debate around the world about biofuels production and its impact
on traditional agriculture and the perceived competition for land and the risk of displacing
production of human and animal food by biofuels. Land availability for food production
could be reduced by the land devoted to fuel production. It is important to ensure that
biofuels are developed in areas that do not affect the use of the basic resources of agricultural
ecosystems such us soil, water, air and biodiversity. Large-scale production of biofuels could
increase the price of agricultural commodities. This would benefit farmers, but might
increase food prices (World Energy Council, 2010).



9

C.3.Biofuels Act - RA 9367
The Philippine biofuels program (RA 9367) has three policy objectives, namely:
1. Reduce dependence on imported oil
2. Mitigate toxic and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and
3. Increase rural employment and incomes.
Moreover, it has one caveat with three elements: the production of biofuels should be
achieved without any detriment to the natural ecosystem, biodiversity and food reserves of
the country.
C.4. Methods of Preparation
C.4.1. Transesterification
In the transesterification of vegetable oils, a triglyceride reacts with an alcohol in the
presence of a strong acid or base, producing a mixture of fatty acids alkyl esters and
glycerol. The overall process is a sequence of three consecutive and reversible reactions,
in which di and monoglycerides are formed as intermediates. The stoichiometric reaction
requires one molecule of a triglyceride and three molecules of the alcohol. However, an
excess of the alcohol is used to increase the yields of the alkyl esters and to allow its
phase separation from the glycerol formed (Schuchardt and others, 1998).

C.4.1.1 Centrifugation
Centrifugation is a process by which solid particles are sedimented and separated
from a liquid using centrifugal force as a driving force. Depending on the rotational speed
and distance from the axis of rotation, the centrifugal force can be many times greater
than the force of gravity, allowing even very small particles or particles slightly denser
than the fluid to settle (Armenante, Unknown Date).

C.4.1.2 Distillation
Distillation is a commonly used method for purifying liquids and separating mixtures
of liquids into their individual components. It relies on differences in the boiling points of
the component liquids to be separated. (Altig, 2011)

10

D. Analysis of Biodiesel
D.1. Fatty Acid
Fats consist of glycerol esters and long chain aliphatic acids (fatty acids). The backbone
of these compounds contains from 4 to more than 20 carbon atoms. Fatty acid chains may
contain one or more double bonds at specific positions (unsaturated and polyunsaturated), or
they may be fully saturated. The physical and chemical properties of a fat depend on the
composition of the fatty acid mixture.
D.2. Total, Saturated, and Unsaturated Fatty Acids
D.2.1. Method of Determination
Percentage of total, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids will be determined using the
AOAC Gas Chromatography Method.
D.2.2. Importance of Parameter
The level of saturation determines the characteristics of the fat or oil. The total fatty acids
is the combination of the unsaturated and saturated fatty acids.

D.3. Gas Chromatography
A gas chromatograph is equipped with hydrogen flame ionization detector, capillary
column, split mode injector, oven temperature programming sufficient to implement a hold-
ramp-hold sequence.

E. Related Studies
E.1. Banana Related
Musa sapientum peels were analysed for minerals,nutritional and anti-nutritional
contents. The result of mineral content indicate the concentrations of potassium, calcium,
sodium, iron, manganese, bromine, rubium, strontium, zirconium and niobium. The study of
the anti-nutrient content of the peel indicates generally low values except saponins. If the
peels are properly exploited and process, they could be a high quality and cheap sourdce of
carbohydrates and minerals for livestock (Anhwange,2008).
11

Composition of fatty oil in two different varieties of banana peels Musa Cavendis and
Musa Sapientum was determined. Solvent extraction of the peel powder yields 10% oil in the
case of Musa Cavendis variety, while 7.50% in the case of Musa Sapientum variety. From the
data it is clear that peel of Musa Cavendis variety yields oil more than that of Musa
Sapientum variety (Hassan and others, 2010).
Oil extracted from ripe peel of Musa paradisiaca (plantain) was analyzed for
physicochemical properties and fatty acid constituents using standard methods. The
percentage yield of the oil from the peel of M. parasidiaca fruit was 6%. The component
phospholipids of the peel oil included phosphatidyl glycerol and diphosphoglycerol while the
neutral lipids were free fatty acids and cholesterol esters. Overall, the results suggest that the
oil from the ripe peel of Musa parasidiaca may not be a good candidate for conventional oil
and may not be a good raw material for soap, paint and food industries (Oladiji and others,
2010).
Four different preparation methods of banana peel, dry milling, wet milling, wet milling
and tap water washing, and wet milling and hot water washing were investigated on their
effects on the chemical composition and properties of the banana peel dietary fibre
concentrate (BDFC). The dry milling process gave the BDFC a significant higher fat, protein,
and starch content than the wet milling process, resulting in a lower water holding capacity
(WHC) and oil holding capacity (OHC). Washing after wet milling could enhance the
concentration of total dietary fibre by improving the removal of protein and fat. Washing
with hot water after wet milling process caused a higher loss of soluble fibre fraction,
resulting in a lower WHC and OHC of the obtained BDFC when compared to washing with
tap water. Wet milling and tap water washing gave the BDFC the highest concentration of
total and soluble dietary fibre, WHC and OHC (Wachirasiri and others, 2009).

E.2. Biodiesel Related
Biodiesel production from crude Jatropha curcas with a high content of free fatty acids
has been investigated. A technique to produce biodiesel from crude Jatropha curcas seed oil
having high free fatty acids has been developed. A two-stage transesterification process was
selected to improve the methyl ester yield. The high free fatty acids level of the said fruit was
reduced to less than one percent by a two-step pre-treatment process which was the first
12

stage. The second stage, alkali base catalysed transesterification process gave 90% methyl
ester yield (Berchmans and Hirata, 2008).
Biodiesel is an important new alternative diesel fuel that is produced from vegetable oils
and animal fats. Conventional processing involves an alkali catalyzed process, but this is
unsatisfactory for lower cost high free fatty acid feedstock due to soap formation. Processes
have been developed to allow biodiesel production from high free fatty acid feedstock, such
as recycled restaurant grease, animal fats, and soap stock which are often considered as waste
(Gerpen, 2005).
Biodiesel is a renewable, alternative diesel fuel of domestic origin derived from a variety
of fats and oils by a transesterification reaction; thus, it consists of the alkyl esters, usually
methyl esters, of the fatty acids of the parent oil or fat. An advantage of biodiesel is its
potential to significantly reduce most regulated exhaust emissions, including particulate
matter, with the exception of nitrogen oxides (Knothe, 2005).

















13

CHAPTER 3

Overview of the Study

This study aims to extract and characterize biodiesel from Musa paradisiaca (banana) fruit
peel. Banana peel oil will be obtained using a Soxhlet extractor with natural hexane as the
solvent. Purification of extracted oil will be done using 0.73 % and 0.58% NaCl solutions.
Extracted oil will be esterified using Sodium hydroxide as a catalyst producing biodiesel. The
volume (mL) and percent yield (%) of both banana peel oil and biodiesel will be computed. Fatty
Acid Methyl Ester content of biodiesel will be determined using Gas Chromatography method.
Characterization of biodiesel will be done by comparing the results obtained to the values given
by AOAC.

Time and Place of Study

The study will be conducted at the Research Laboratory, Philippine Science High School
Western Visayas, Jaro, and Iloilo City from March to April 2012.

A. Preparation of Materials and Equipment
A.1. Preparation of Raw Material (Musa paradisiaca)
Forty kilos of banana peel (Musa paradisiaca) will be obtained from a bananacue stall.
The banana peelings will be put in a plastic sack and transported back to Philippine Science
High School Western Visayas Campus in the Research Laboratory.

A.2. Preparation of Banana Peel for Extraction
A.2.1 Cleaning, Cutting, Blending
The banana peels will be washed in distilled water and roughly chopped. Then the peels
are soaked within minimum quantity of distilled water. The entire mixture is homogenized in
a blender. The homogenized mixture or peel paste should be now transferred in a beaker.


14

A.2.2 Drying and Pulverization of Banana Peel
Peel paste should be dried in the oven at a temperature not greater than 50 C. Dried peels
should be grounded to obtain fine powder so that maxi mum particle exposure will be gotten
for extraction of oil.

B. Extraction and Purification of Oil from Banana Peel
B.1 Preparation of Materials and Equipment for Extraction and Purification of Oil
Powdered banana peel will be used for the Soxhlet extraction. The following materials
and equipment are needed: 10 g banana peel powder, normal Hexane, cellulose extraction
thimbles, glass wool, condenser, 500-mL round-bottom flask (predried with boiling chips),
heating mantle, Soxhlet extraction unit, rotary evaporator.

B.2 Extraction of Oil by Soxhlet extraction
Pour 300 mL of normal hexane into the round bottom flask. Ten grams of the sample
should be placed in the thimble and is inserted in the center of the extractor. The Soxhlet
should be heated at 60 C. When the solvent is already boiling, the vapor will rise through the
vertical tube into the condenser at the top. The liquid condensate will drip into the filter paper
through the pores of the thimble and fills the siphon tube, where it flows back down into the
round bottom flask. This will continue for 30 minutes. It is then removed from the tube, dried
in the oven, cooled in the desiccators and weighed again to determine the amount of oil
extracted. Further extraction should be carried out at 30 minutes interval until sample weight
at a further extraction and previous weight becomes equal. The weight of oil extracted is
determined for each 30 minutes interval. At the end of the extraction, the resulting mixture
containing the oil should be heated to recover solvent from the oil. The low boiling point of
hexane (50 to 70C) and the high solubility of oils and fats in it make it a suitable solvent for
extraction. They are widely used as cheap, relatively safe, largely unreactive and easily
evaporated non-polar solvents.
In order to separate the solvent from the oil, the mixture will be exposed to a rotary
evaporator so that the solvent will be evaporated and the oil will remain in the receiving
flask. The solvent collection flask on the unit should be emptied then replaced. The flask
should be placed on the rotary evaporator. The speed control should be used to rotate the
15

flask. The aspirator vacuum will now be turned on. The flask will be lowered into the water
bath. Make sure that the flask in the water bath would not exceed to the boiling point of the
solvent. The solvent will start collecting on the condenser and drip into the receiving flask.
Once all the solvent has evaporated, the vacuum should be released, the flask should be
raised out of the water bath and the rotation should be turned off and removed.
B.3 Purification of extracted Oil
Briefly, 0.73 % of NaCl solution should be added to the oil solvent mixture in a
separating funnel. This will be separated into two layers: the upper (organic phase) and the
lower (aqueous phase). The lower phase is run-off and chloroform: methanol: 0.58 % NaCl
solution was added for the purification of the organic phase. This again will be separated into
two layers after which the lower layer was again run-off leaving the upper phase of the
mixture containing the purified oil and solvent. The solvent should be driven off by placing
the oil solvent mixture in a bath leaving behind the purified oil.

B.4 Determination of percent yield of Purified Oil from banana peel
Percent yield of the purified oil will be measured using the following formula:


()
()


C. Production of Biodiesel
C.1 Transesterification
Three and a half grams of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) catalyst should be mixed for ten
minutes with 200 mL of ethanol inside a beaker using a magnetic stirrer to create sodium
methoxide. The resulting solution is then mixed for an hour with 1000 mL banana peel oil
using the same instruments. The mixture will be heated to 40 C while mixing. After an hour
of mixing, the resulting mixture will be allowed to settle for eight hours.

C.2 Separation of Glycerine and Biodiesel
After allowing the mixture to settle for eight hours, the mixture inside the beaker must
have settled into a layer of glycerine and biodiesel fuel. A centrifuge will be used to easily
16

separate the layer of glycerine from the layer of biodiesel fuel. The layer of biodiesel fuel
should be decanted to a separate container for storage.

C.3 Gas Chromatography
This analysis cannot be conducted by untrained and inexperienced individuals. Therefore,
the aid of a technician would be called upon. The whole process would be conducted with the
supervision of a UPV Research Assistant.

C.4 Removal of Alcohol from the Biodiesel Fuel Phase
Once the glycerine and biodiesel phases have been separated, the excess alcohol in each
phase is removed by distillation. Distillation is a commonly used method for purifying
liquids and separating mixtures of liquid into their individual components.

C.5 Determination of Volume and Percent Yield of Biodiesel extracted from Banana
Peel
Volume of the biodiesel will be measured using a glass graduated cylinder.
Percent yield of the final product will be measured using the following formula:


()
()


D. Storage of Biodiesel
D.1 Determination of source facility and container
All biodiesel production facilities should be equipped with a laboratory so that the
quality of the final biodiesel product can be monitored. Biodiesel should be stored in closed
containers or cans that are completely filled to the top. Storing biodiesel in partially filled
containers is not recommended because condensation can build up on the inside of the
container and cause the biodiesel to deteriorate over a long period of time and can possibly
cause the growth of bacteria and mold.
When storing biodiesel containers or cans, it's important to keep them away from direct
sunlight and insulated from low temperatures. Biodiesel will gel at a higher temperature
17

than petroleum-based diesel fuel, but it will return to its liquid state when it is heated or
allowed to gradually warm up. Biodiesel containers should also be protected from
precipitation and excess moisture because of the aforementioned issues with condensation.

E.2 Storage of Biodiesel
The chemical stability of biodiesel depends on the oil from which it was derived.
Biodiesel from oils that naturally contain the antioxidant tocopherol or vitamin E remain
usable longer than biodiesel from other types of vegetable oils. Banana peels are said to have
tocopherol while vitamin E is found in bananas. According to at least one source stability is
noticeably diminished after 10 days and the fuel may be unusable after 2 months.
Temperature also affects fuel stability in that excessive temperatures may denature the fuel.
Any fuel that will be stored for more than 6 months, whether it is diesel fuel or biodiesel,
should be treated with an antioxidant additive.

Precautionary Measures

A. Safe Handling of Chemicals
Chemicals will be transported using bottle carriers with caps closed tightly. Decantation
of chemicals should be done properly with acid being added to water. All bottles will be
labeled accurately for identifying chemicals. Labels should include the name of the chemical,
the date it was initially opened and received. Chemicals, especially n- hexane and ethanol,
should be placed inside a glass bottle separately with 100% leak proof cap. N- hexane and
ethanol are highly flammable. To avoid explosion of chemicals, the containers should be
securely closed and kept in a well-ventilated area. Avoid skin contact to all chemicals to
prevent irritation and burns.

B. Safety Procedures in the Laboratory
Sanitation should be practiced inside the laboratory. Hands should be washed thoroughly
before entering the laboratory and after each procedure. Dress appropriately inside the
laboratory at all times. To prevent skin or eye contact with chemicals the use of impervious
gloves, laboratory gowns, safety goggles, face masks, and closed shoes should be strictly
18

followed. Hair of girls should be tied back. The labels on reagent bottles should not be
removed and always read to make sure it is the chemical that will be used. Bottles should be
in order and then be put back in its original place after use. Laboratory equipment should be
inspected before using. Glass wares should be handled with care. Tables, floors and aisles
should be kept dry and clear from any unnecessary materials. After each use, laboratory
surfaces will be kept clean using applicable disinfectants. Horse playing inside the laboratory
is strictly prohibited.

C. Waste Disposal
Sodium chloride and Sodium hydroxide will be diluted in water and disposed in the sink
drains, accompanied by substantial water flush. Ethanol, n-hexane and hydrochloric acid are
disposed of as a hazardous waste. Containers and other materials that are contaminated with
these reagents must also be treated as hazardous waste. Waste acid should be separated from
combustible substances, strong oxidants, strong bases, and metals.
D. After-care of the Laboratory
Chemicals will be disposed properly. Area must be clean after the study. All equipment
should be returned to its original area or to Sir Rusty Balcoba and Maam Lani Estilo. If
required, the Research laboratory should be locked after leaving.

E. Data Organization
Table 1. Percent Yield
Weight (g) Volume (mL) Percent Yield (%)
Banana Peel -------------
Oil
Biodiesel

Table 1. Fatty Acid Methyl Ester Analysis

Fatty Acids Total (%) Saturated (%) Unsaturated (%)
Biodiesel