OIL POTENTIAL OF THE SEEDS OF TOTAI (Acrocomia totai mart.) IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF LA GUARDIA, SANTA CRUZ, BOLIVIA

https://doi.org/10.23670/rc.2024.01.05

Abstract

Acrocomia totai mart. is a recently identified species in regions of Bolivia and Brazil. The aim of this study was to assess its viability as a sustainable oil source from native populations in the municipality of La Guardia, Santa Cruz. A total of 3,000 fruits were collected between October and November 2021, and 100 were randomly selected for mass measurements of various parts. The results revealed that approximately 5,55 % of the total fruit weight corresponds to the seed, with an average oil yield of 25,1 % obtained from seed extraction using a Soxhlet apparatus. This value is similar to the findings of previous research on Acrocomia aculeata, a palm known for its high oil yield. The moisture content in the seeds, after a drying process at over 100°C, remained within acceptable ranges for oil extraction, measuring at 6,6 %. The acidity index, measured through neutralization, was 1,14, indicating acceptable acidity compared to other oil sources. In conclusion, A. totai mart. fruits exhibited a high seed proportion and offered a satisfactory oil yield, with desirable characteristics for applications in the food and industrial sectors. This study supports its potential as a valuable oil source in the context of sustainability and the utilization of native populations in Santa Cruz, Bolivia