Novel Trends in The Development of Hydrogel from Plant Sources and Their Effect in Environment and Human Health: A Review

Abstract

Increased demand for energy and the scarcity of fossil fuels has led to the search for an alternative source that is sustainable as well as environmentally friendly, has the potential to function similarly to conventional fuels, contributes to less air pollution, and utilizes the maximum number of available natural sources in order to reduce the cost of production while achieving a higher yield at the same time. One such popular alternative is biodiesel, a renewable, biodegradable, and portable fuel that is sulfur-free, has enough oxygen content, is less toxic, and has a comparatively easier manufacturing process. Biodiesel is produced through a Trans-esterification process that involves the conversion of triglycerides in the presence of a catalyst and alcohol producing mono alkyl ester of long-chain fatty acids, i.e., biodiesel, along with glycerol as a byproduct. Biodiesel can be produced from a versatile range of feed-stocks, from edible sources like Rapeseed oil, Peanut oil, Soybean oil, Sunflower oil, canola oil, Palm oil, etc. to non-edible tree-borne oilseeds such as Neem oil, Cottonseed oil, Castor oil, Jojoba oil, Ratanjyot, Mahua, etc. to even waste cooking oil, animal fat, and microalgal oil. Along with flexibility in feed-stocks, a variety of catalysts can also be used in the production of biodiesel via Transesterification. This study is an attempt to highlight the process of Transesterification, the impact of biodiesel on the environment and human health