Abstract
Coconut wood and coconut shell were subjected to destructive distillation to extract wood vinegar which can be utilized in agriculture, livestock farming, and even in the pharmaceutical industry. This study is centered on determining the physical and chemical characteristics of wood vinegar extracted from two different organic samples. Qualitative and Quantitative Analytical process were used to determine the composition and characteristics of wood vinegar from coconut wood and coconut shell. Results indicate that wood vinegar from coconut wood is orange to dark orange in color while yellowish to dark yellow was observed on coconut shell wood vinegar. The odors of the wood vinegars coming from the 2 samples were the same, according to most respondents which was copra-like odor. pH indicates high acidity on both samples and miscibility to most polar substances. Total Acid Content indicates a slightly higher percentage for coconut wood than coconut shell. Small amounts of soluble tar were observed on the two wood vinegar samples which indicates a high degree of purity and the moisture for coconut wood is lower than the coconut shell. Phenolic compounds were mostly characterized in the wood vinegar from the two samples with an almost similar composition but with varying concentrations, also, other trace chemicals were found on the wood vinegar samples indicating the complexity and varied uses of wood vinegar in different fields of agriculture and pharmaceuticals. It is therefore recommended that a pilot medium scale production of wood vinegar from coconut shell and coconut wood be conducted for agricultural and livestock use.
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