PALM OIL AND PALM WASTE POTENTIAL IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

Oil palm is the most important product from Nigeria that has helped to change the scenario of its agriculture and economy. Lignocellulosic biomass which is produced from the oil palm industries includes oil palm trunks (OPT), oil palm fronds (OPF), empty fruit bunches (EFB), and palm pressed fibres (PPF), palm shells and palm oil mill effluent (POME). However, the presence of these oil palm wastes has created a major disposal problem. The fundamental principles of waste management are to minimise and recycle the waste, recover the energy and finally dispose the waste. Oil palm industry generates a large quantity of residues and wastes in form of empty fruit bunch, palm kernel shells, trunk of the plant, fibre, leaves and others. When palm oil is extracted and processed, it also produces effluents with high organic matter, suspended matter and oil and grease. These waste cause ecosystem degradation and affects health of the communities. Palm oil waste contributes to Green House Gases (GHG) and conversion to energy is a good means of obtaining carbon credit facility for sustainable management. Palm oil is a basic source of income for many farmers in south, East Asia; it is locally used as cooking oil exported for use in many boifuel. It is a valuable economic crop and provides a source of employment.