The influence of seed and oil storage on the acid levels of rubber seed oil, derived from Hevea brasiliensis grown in Xishuangbanna, China

High acid levels, characteristic of rubber seed oil (RSO), limit RSO use in biodiesel production. The aims of this study were to determine the causes of these high acid levels by investigating what affects the storage of rubber seeds and RSO had on the acid levels. Two storage conditions/methods were evaluated, one representing a proposed storage method (SM 1), the other mimicking storage conditions characteristic to the Xishuangbanna region (SM 2). Furthermore, RSO storage was evaluated by testing RSO acid levels over a 2-month period, under standard storage conditions. Seeds from SM 2 displayed increased seed pile temperatures, higher levels of Mildew infection, lower seed oil content and higher acid levels. Low seed oil content and high acid values of SM 2 were resultant of the high Mildew infection and increased seed pile temperatures. In addition, a critical value of 90% relative humidity of seed piles was identified, above which Mildew infection increased sharply. Storage of crude RSO resulted in increased acid values. This data shows that in order to reduce high acid values, seed pile temperature, humidity and Mildew infections need to be kept to a minimum, as well as the storage time of the seeds and the RSO.

► High seed pile temperatures and Mildew infection led to decreased seed oil and higher rubber seed oil acid values.
► The proposed storage methods reduced the occurrence of Mildew, resulting in increased seed oil and decreased oil acid values.
► The storage of rubber seed oil, over a 2-month period, led to increased acid values of the oil.
► Optimal storage conditions and an efficient production line are requisite for maintaining low acid values necessary for biodiesel production.