Abstract
This investigation explores single-step biodiesel synthesis using palm oil mill effluent (POME) as a feedstock. Normally considered a waste product from the extraction process of palm oil, POME treatment is difficult and can cause significant environmental pollution if discharged directly into watercourses. Fatty acids (FAs) present in POME were extracted and subsequently esterified in situ to FA methyl esters (FAME) suitable for use as biodiesel. The process of simultaneous extraction and esterification was performed under microwave irradiation in a sealed vessel, which has been shown to reduce both time of reaction and energy use considerably in other reactions. The simultaneous extraction and esterification result in an 89% yield of biodiesel from the available FAs in the POME solids. The facile separation of biodiesel products from the reaction mixture augments the process and here presented is a potential route to making economic use of this difficult feedstock.Graphical abstractThe statement of noveltyHere presented is a method optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) to leverage the benefits of microwave processing upon the extraction and synthesis of biodiesel with the purpose of producing biodiesel from palm oil mill effluent (POME). The advantages of the microwave processing technique used in this investigation include the rapid and simultaneous extraction and esterification of fatty acids (FA) from the POME solids, followed by the facile separation of the biodiesel fraction. The RSM investigation undertaken was used to maximize the yield of biodiesel whilst minimizing the amount of catalyst and methanol required for the reaction. This unique application of microwave processing for both the high pressure and temperature extraction and subsequent in situ acid catalysed esterification in a single-vessel acts as pilot study to a method that could make use of this most difficult of biodiesel feedstocks.
Highlights
The circular economy (CE), whereby resources are kept in economic circulation for as long as possible and waste minimized, is currently a hotly debated concept in academic and policy circles
The Malaysia government, for example, introduced regulations mandating the capture of carbon emissions from palm oil mill effluent (POME) that are typically left to microbial action in ponds open to the atmosphere [7]
Raw POME was sourced from Langkon Palm Oil Mill in Sabah, Malaysia, and stored in sealed containers for transportation and storage
Summary
The circular economy (CE), whereby resources are kept in economic circulation for as long as possible and waste minimized, is currently a hotly debated concept in academic and policy circles. Cognisant of the wider social and economic context, this research tackles a specific, currently environmentally problematic, residue stream of an industry of significance to a number of countries in the Global South. Oil palm production has attracted much criticism on environmental grounds, with attention focusing on the prevention of further deforestation. There has been research and policy activity into how to make existing production more efficient and less polluting. Palm oil has helped lift Malaysia’s economy to the ranks of upper-middle income countries, and the programme of increasing efficiency of production is part of the Malaysian government’s drive to reach high-income status (aiming at 2020).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
