Potential use of glycerol from the biodiesel industry: germination and first phase of growth evaluation of two domesticated varieties of Phaseolus vulgaris

Abstract

The use of biodiesel has increased in the last decade and so has the obtainment of the main by-product from its manufacturing, glycerol; however, the direct use of it has not been possible due to the residual components that are present from the biodiesel production itself and the high-cost purification methods necessary for its reuse. Since this molecule presents a high potential for the development of a large variety of products, it is of great importance that this resource is harnessed. We present the results obtained from the use of a simple pH-based precipitation technique from which we obtained glycerol with 50% wt. purity and its assessment as a germination additive in two varieties of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) obtaining a competitive behavior when compared with a commercial organic fertilizer within the germination and first stage of plant development suggesting a new use as an added value product for the biofuels industry.