Production of high-quality biodiesel through methanolysis of Bombyx mori pupae waste oil

Abstract

ABSTRACT The inadequacy of natural resources to meet the energy demands of the population has led to new and sustainable ways of producing energy such as biodiesel. This study discusses the merits of employing desilked dried Bombyx mori pupae waste as feedstock for biodiesel production. This waste was found to have approximately 40% lipids, 54% proteins, and essential minerals in trace quantities. The maximum neutral lipid yield obtained through chemical extraction varied between 38% and 41% of the feedstock weight. This lipid was transesterified with an acid catalyst resulting in an approximate 90% yield of biodiesel. This product was characterized using GCMS, FTIR, and 1HNMR spectroscopy. These studies have indicated the presence of good-quality biodiesel. This biodiesel was also found to have an induction time of 7.06 hours at 110°C. The physicochemical properties of the produced biodiesel were tested according to standard testing methods and were found to be satisfactory. The produced biodiesel was compared with a commercial biodiesel for its properties, and was found to be superior. The energy value of the silkworm pupae biodiesel showed over 10% increase than commercial biodiesel. This process also doubles as an effective waste management practice for the sericulture industry.