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Effect of storage on the yield and the elemental composition of the volatile oils of Eucalyptus citrodora and lemon grass
Abstract
The yield of the volatile oils of Eucalyptus citrodora and lemon grass obtained from a locally constructed apparatus is presented. Hydro distillation of the fresh and dried leaves at room temperature (25°C) gave a better yield with dried leaves. Elemental composition of the crude and rectified volatile oils of the predominant metallic impurities such as iron. zinc. lead. and chromium revealed lemon grass oil to contain the highest concentration level of iron (21.31 mg/L and l 7. l 2mg/L) in crude and rectified oils respective!y. The implication of these findings of the essential oil in pharmaceutical application and cosmetics is discussed.