Optimization of Solar Still Technology for the Extraction of Essential Oils from Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

Abstract

The increasing demand for essential oils across various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and aromatherapy, necessitates efficient and sustainable extraction methods. Traditional extraction techniques like steam distillation and solvent extraction are often resource-intensive, environmentally taxing, and costly. This study explores the application of solar still technology as an eco-friendly alternative for extracting essential oils from medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). The experimental setup included a specially designed solar still with optimized thermal properties, tested against conventional methods. Key plants such as lavender, peppermint, Gulmohar, curry leaves, and roses were chosen for their therapeutic and aromatic significance. The solar still's performance was evaluated based on yield, phytochemical quality, energy consumption, and cost-effectiveness. Advanced analytical methods, including chromatography and spectroscopy, were employed to assess the phytochemical integrity of the extracted oils. Results demonstrated that while solar still extraction produced slightly lower yields than traditional methods, it achieved comparable or superior oil quality. Additionally, solar stills significantly reduced energy consumption and operational costs, making them a sustainable alternative for essential oil extraction. This study concludes that with further optimization, solar still technology has the potential to revolutionize the essential oil extraction industry by combining ecological benefits with high-quality output.