Production of Local Soap Using Palm Spike

Student: Chiamaka Glory Njele (Project, 2025)
Department of Science Laboratory Technology
Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Imo State

Abstract

A B S T R A C T This study evaluated the production of soap using palm spike. Oil palm empty fruit bunches (palm spike) was obtained from Ohaji/Egbema L.G.A, Imo State. The samples were exposed to sunlight for drying, grinding and further analysis. Standard method by Association of Official Analytical Chemists was adopted in the production and determination of the physicochemical properties of the produced soap. Standard microbiological methods were adopted in the determination of the microbial quality of the produced soap. Physicochemical properties revealed; pH (8.82), foam height (1.8cm), colour (black), reaction with metals and saponification value (none). Total viable bacterial count was 2.0 x 10'cfu/g. There was no coliform and fungal count recorded. Only Bacillus species was isolated from the soap sample. The results of this study showed that soap could be produced using palm spike otherwise considered a waste material in the society. The pH and other physicochemical properties of the produced soap were stable. The produced soap had foaming ability which makes it easy to be used in washing. Much attention should be given to the use of local raw materials in soap production in order to reduce the high cost of soap in the society.

Keywords
produced production spike physicochemical properties local standard adopted determination count
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