The physico-chemical properties of water melon seed and the seed oil were evaluated to know whether the oil extract could be exploited for consumption and other industrial applications, The Encouraging values of 38.33% (oil yield), 19.89g/100g (crude fibre), 23.18g/100g (crude protein), 20.74 µg/g (Na), 7135.45 µg/g (K), 2560 µg/g (Mg), 1452 µg/g (Ca), 570 µg/g (P) 42.50 µg (Fe), 33.12 µg/g (Zn) and 15.72 µg/g (Cu) were obtained for the proximate and mineral element composition of the seed. The physical properties displayed by the oil indicated that it can easily be accepted for consumption if produced in commercial quantity. The values obtained for iodine (61.75gI/100g oil) and saponification (180.01 mg KOH/g) in the oil indicated that it can be suitable for consumption as well as for soap and cosmetic production. The high level of acidity (12.22 mg KOH/g) observed in the oil makes it uneconomical for the traditional process of trans-esterification. The low free fatty acid value (4.57 mg/g) obtained indicated that the oil could have a better storage and shelf life.
Key words: Proximate, physic-chemical, watermelon seed, oil extract.
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