Track: Waste

Abstract

This study focused on assessment of the potential to use waste orange peels extracts as an anti-microbial substance. Waste orange peels from a local company were first collected and underwent size reduction in order for them to increase the surface area through powder formation. The powder then underwent solid-liquid extraction using water whereby the orange peels extract was formed. Afterwards, the orange peels extract was qualitatively analysed for the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, carbohydrates and phenols. Further, the potential for use of the orange peels extract as an anti-microbial agent was evaluated at extracts brix concentration of 3.6-21.6, shelf time of 7-35 days, pH of 2.1-3.4, temperature of 4-40 ^oC and orange peels extracts of 2-12 mL. The orange peels extracts tested positive for tannins, phenolics, carbohydrates, cardial glycoside, saponins and flavonoids, however, terpenoids were absent. The anti-microbial properties of the orange peels extracts were optimum at brix 3.6, shelf time of 7 days, pH 2.1, temperature 4 ^oC and orange peels extracts concentration of 12 mL. From this study findings, it is important to value-add waste orange peels extracts since they have natural antimicrobial properties.