Analisis Kadar Asam Lemak Bebas dan Kadar Air dari Crude Palm Oil (CPO) pada Tangki Truk di PT. Perkebunan Nusantara IV Regional I Pks Aek Nabara Selatan

Abstract

Crude Palm Oil (CPO) is raw palm oil extracted from the mesocarp of oil palm fruits through several stages including sterilization, fruit detachment, digestion, pressing, purification, and storage. The quality of CPO is strongly influenced by its free fatty acid (FFA) content and moisture content. FFA is formed through the hydrolysis of triglycerides by lipase enzymes, which is triggered by damaged fruit, microbial activity, and poor storage conditions. High moisture levels accelerate hydrolysis and contribute to rancidity, thus decreasing oil quality. Factors such as overripe or bruised fruits, suboptimal processing conditions, and humid environments increase both FFA and moisture content. This research aims to analyze the FFA and moisture content of CPO stored in truck tanks at PT. Perkebunan Nusantara IV Regional I PKS Aek Nabara Selatan. The FFA was determined using an acid-base titration method with Thymol Blue indicator and 0.1059 N KOH solution, while moisture content was measured using a Moisture Analyzer. The FFA results were 3.87%, 3.90%, and 3.85%, and the moisture contents were 0.16%, 0.16%, and 0.19% over three consecutive days. These values comply with the SNI 01-2901-2021 quality standard, which requires FFA ≤ 5.0% and moisture ≤ 0.50%. Therefore, the analyzed CPO samples meet quality requirements and are suitable for further processing or distribution.