Abstract

• This research work deals with the determination of elemental contents and physicochemical properties of Annona squamosa seeds were collected from Paukkhaung Township, Bago Region. The elemental contents of seeds sample was determined by Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) methods. The EDXRF spectrum of the seeds sample indicated that the seeds contain 0.474 % K, 0.210 % P, 0.198 % Ca, 0.168 % S, 0.003 % Fe and Mn, 0.002 % Zn and Cu, 0.001 % Os and 98.938 % C-OH in relative abundance. According to EDXRF results, K is higher content than other elements such as P, Ca. The elements S, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and Os were observed as the trace elements. Quantitative elemental analysis of sample was done by using AAS methods. The sample contains calcium (9.107 ppm), copper (0.024 ppm), magnesium (8.025 ppm), zinc (0.780 ppm), manganese (0.543 ppm), chromium (0.001 ppm). Moreover, the toxic element such as cadmium (0.164 ppm) and lead (0.395 ppm) were observed. A. squamosa seeds were extracted with petroleum ether by two methods using Soxhlet and mechanical expeller. The yield percent of oil obtained by two methods were 25.62 % and 22.84 % respectively. The functional group of extracted oil sample was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT IR) spectroscopic method. According to the spectral data which indicated that the extracted oil sample from A. squamosa seed may be triglyceride. Moisture content of A. squamosa seed was determined by oven drying method and it was found to be 4.65 %. In addition, the seed oil obtained by mechanical expression method was chosen for the determination of physicochemical properties. Physicochemical properties of A. squamosa seed oil (degummed oil) were determined by American Oil Chemistry Society (A.O.C.S) method such as acid value (1.89 mg KOH/g), iodine value (79.43 mg I2/g), saponification value (186.53 %), peroxide value (7.74 mg/1000g), viscosity (42.68 mm2/s), specific gravity (0.816) were observed.