Degradation of Palm Oil Induced By Ionizing Radiation

Abstract

X-irradiated Palm Oil of the Elaeis guineensis specie was studied by assessing the effect of the radiation on the Peroxide, Iodine and Fatty acid values of the oil. These were compared with values of fresh and thermoxidized palm oil. Results showed a rise in the peroxide value by as much as 52.5% for thermoxidized oil and 25.2% for xirradiated oil; and iodine values similarly increasing by 6.4% for thermoxidized oil and 3.5% for x-irradiated palm oil respectively, while the Acid value increased by as much as 460% and 683% for thermoxidized and xirradiated samples respectively. These are strong indications of the deterioration of the oil, the attendant consequences of which are discussed.

West African Journal of Radiology Vol.7(1) 2000: 30-34