Abstract
Jatropha curcas Linn has been identified worldwide as one of the sources of biodiesel. Biodiesel has energy properties close to fossil diesel and can be a potential energy alternative. However, these properties may vary based on soils, plant genetics and agro-climatic conditions in a given geographical location. Several studies on biodiesel production under such conditions have been done elsewhere, but few have been done on J. curcas oil in Uganda. This study analysed the physicochemical properties of J. curcas L. oil for biodiesel production in Nebbi and Mukono districts using American Standards and Testing Methods (ASTM D6751) and European Standards (EN 14214). J. curcas seed kernel contained 51% w/w and 48% w/w of oil with high levels of Free Fatty Acids (1.52% and 1.93%) and acid values (35 and 36 mg KOH/g) for Nebbi and Mukono, respectively; the difference was significant (p ≤ 0.05). Generally, the quality and quantity of the oil from Nebbi were better than those of Mukono, based on the biodiesel standard values. Nevertheless, kinematic viscosity, acidity, potassium and phosphorus content values were found abnormally high (31.46 - 33.23 mm2/s, 35.23 - 36.66 mg KOH/g, 16.50 - 20.52 mg/100g and 16.13 - 26.02 mg/kg, respectively) for both regions as compared to the standard values (3.5 - 5.0 mm2/s, 2 mg KOH/g, <5 mg/100g and <10 mg/kg, respectively) of biodiesel for diesel engine. Such properties are very important for engine fuels and if not considered well, may affect engine performance negatively. Therefore adequate treatment of the oil by degumming, etherification and transesterification before use in a diesel engine could avert this difficulty.
Highlights
The use of fossil diesel as engine fuel has been criticized worldwide for its negative effects on the environment as well as its exhaustibility
Studies show that J. curcas L. oil has the potential to replace fossil diesel as an engine fuel; [12] provided that the oil is free from contamination, and its acid value, viscosity, phosphorus, ash and water content are kept at low levels [8]
Temperature has been found to have a significant effect towards oil content [16] and this has been supported by several authors [1] [8] [32] who found that J curcas L. performs very well in regions of high temperatures ranging from 20 ̊C to 40 ̊C mean annual
Summary
The use of fossil diesel as engine fuel has been criticized worldwide for its negative effects on the environment as well as its exhaustibility. Studies show that J. curcas L. oil has the potential to replace fossil diesel as an engine fuel; [12] provided that the oil is free from contamination, and its acid value, viscosity, phosphorus, ash and water content are kept at low levels [8]. According to Brittaine and Lutaladio [8], knowledge on J. curcas L. oil quality is essential for biodiesel production, owing to the extreme variability in its physicochemical characteristics. Such variations may be due to differences in environmental and geographical factors [15] e.g. rainfall distribution, temperature, soil quality and genetic interaction [8] [14]. The study aims at evaluating the quality and quantity of J. curcas L. oil from Nebbi and Mukono districts in Uganda
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