PILOT STUDY ON THE INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE AND EFFECTIVE ALKALINITY IN BIODEGRADABLE SOAP PRODUCTION FROM RESIDUAL OIL: CONTRIBUTIONS TO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND UNIVERSITY EXTENSION

Abstract

Improper frying oil disposal in Brazil (≈1 billion L/year) demands sustainable solutions with educational and formative potential. This exploratory pilot study investigated the influence of oil temperature (ambient, 60°C, 120°C, 180°C) and effective alkalinity of sodium hydroxide (pH 13.5–14.2) on biodegradable liquid soap properties through 4×3 factorial arrangement with n=3 technical replicates. Findings suggest relevant descriptive trends: effective alkalinity (measured as aqueous solution pH) showed stronger association with soap quality than nominal purity; 60°C temperature balanced efficiency and operational safety; all formulations presented pH between 10.24 and 10.84, within normative standards. Results provide support for solidarity economy community projects, environmental education actions in schools and universities, and extension initiatives toward sustainable waste management and income generation, demonstrating the protocol's didactic potential for scientific literacy and citizenship formation.