Biodiesel Production Research Articles

Optimization of oil extraction from Melia azedarach fruits using methanol-modified SC-CO2 for highly efficient biodiesel production using a modified LAC catalyst

A highly efficient oil extraction method including modified Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) with co-solvents was applied for oil extraction from Melia azedarach fruits and then using a modified LAC (luffa activated carbon) catalyst, the oil was converted to biodiesel for the first time. The effect of pressure (22–30 MPa), temperature (40–80 °C), extraction time (0–240 min) and co-solvent (methanol and n-hexane) were determined on SC-CO2 extraction to obtain the optimum condition. The optimum extraction conditions for Melia azedarach oil corresponded to a pressure of 30 MPa and temperature of 40 °C at 180 min using methanol as of co-solvent. The maximum yield was obtained by addition of methanol as co-solvent in an amount of 10 %, w/w. The methanol- modified SC-CO2 extraction oil yield was 43 % (w/w) and the oil yield by n-hexane-modified SC-CO2 extraction was 38 %, while the oil yield obtained by pure SC-CO2 extraction was 32 %. Then, the effect of catalysts LAC-NH2 and LAC-N(Et)2 as safe, economical, free-metal, and less time-consuming heterogeneous catalysts was investigated on biodiesel production from extracted oil. The results revealed that the optimum yields of 98 % was obtained for biodiesel production using 2 wt% of LAC-NH2 catalyst at the reaction conditions of oil to methanol ratio of 1:6, reaction temperature of 60 °C, and reaction time of 3 h.

Fuzzy-stochastic distributional robust approach for microalgae-based bio-plastic supply chain with new sustainability aspects

The current study offers a sustainable supply chain model that can be used to identify opportunities and constraints for the future of the microalgae-based bio-diesel and bio-plastic industry. The network’s carbon emissions are restricted by an uncertain constraint that allows for flexibility in controlling emissions as needed. The social constraints of the model provides a transparent depiction of labour needs in dynamic business landscape and foster women’s empowerment through a preference coefficient. The proposed model introduces a new upside risk measures under fuzzy-stochastic setting to quantify the upward financial risk. To characterize and manage the model uncertainty, a fuzzy-stochastic distributional robust model is presented. Credibility distribution is utilized to handle fuzzy uncertainty, while box and polyhedral uncertainty sets are included to handle stochastic uncertainty. After that, tractable deterministic formulations of the uncertain model for two ambiguity sets are presented to solve the model. Finally, a number of insights are obtained by means of five test problems that are implemented in Python and resolved by one exact and five meta-heuristic algorithms. Experiments indicate that, when faced with uncertainty, two robust models have produced more stable solutions (16.23% and 19.67% higher stability, respectively) than nominal stochastic model. Further, a 4.68% decline in total cost and 3.27% increment in bio-diesel production can be achieved by increasing bio-diesel conversion rate to 10%. In addition, a 9.09% downturn in total cost and 10.44% rise in bio-plastic production can be obtained by 10% increment in bio-plastic conversion rate. Moreover, 45.38% more woman labours can be recruited by increasing the preference coefficient from −0.2 to +0.2.

Synergistic biodiesel production from food flavourant industry wastewater using Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Chlorella vulgaris

The global energy demand is increasing every day, and the search for renewable and cost-effective sources of energy production is evident with the increased research on renewable energy. Energy production using waste materials has also increased the circular bioeconomy in industries. The thrust of the present day's research is to derive useful products and energy from waste, and this study aimed to examine the synergetic effect of microalgae and yeast in treating food industry wastewater and biodiesel production. Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Chlorella vulgaris were used for sustainable biodiesel production using food-flavourant-producing industry wastewater (FFPIWW) as a nutrient source. The combination of co-culture and pure culture was studied in response to nutrient (BOD & COD) removal and lipid production. Rhodotorula mucilaginosa - Chlorella vulgaris co-culture (RmCvcc) exhibited a maximum nutrient removal and biodiesel yield. RmCvcc yielded a maximum biomass and lipid yield of 7.236 g/L and 5.063 g/L, respectively. Further, the nutrient removal in pure cultures was also significantly less than that in RmCvcc. The higher self-sedimentation property of RmCvcc after remediation proves the process's applicability in the industrial sector. The maximum unsaturated fatty acid composition of RmCvcc biodiesel proved a better burning capability required for commercial applications. The higher lipid content of RmCvcc (69 %) proved it to be an excellent renewable source for biodiesel production. The co-culture of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Chlorella vulgaris effectively reduced COD and BOD in FFPIWW. Simultaneous inoculation provided the best results for both nutrient removal and biomass production. The resulting biomass had a high lipid content that was suitable for biodiesel production. The biodiesel produced has higher unsaturated fatty acid, which is essential for engine applications. In a nutshell, the results proved the RmCvcc as a complete enhancer for both FFPIWW treatment and biodiesel production. Food industry wastewater could be the sole source of microbial lipid production.

Use of plant growth regulators and their combined application to enhance lipid productivity in the filamentous microalga Tribonema sp.

Oleaginous Tribonema sp. has shown great potential in biodiesel production. However, effective strategies are still needed to increase overall lipid productivity for cost-effectiveness. Although the effects of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on enhancing microalgal growth and lipid content have been widely demonstrated, the synergistic effects of their combinations on improving lipid productivity in Tribonema sp. remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the comparative effects of five PGRs (e.g., fulvic acid, melatonin, gibberellin, γ-aminobutyric acid [GABA], and indoleacetic-3-acid [IAA]) at different concentrations (0.1–10 mg/L) on the growth, nitrogen uptake, and lipid content of Tribonema sp. The results showed that 10 mg/L GABA and 0.1 mg/L IAA were optimal conditions, contributing to an approximately 33.00 % increase in lipid productivity compared with the control (without PGRs). Based on these findings, the combination of optimized concentrations of GABA and IAA, especially in equal proportions, resulted in a more desirable fatty acid profile and produced the highest biomass, lipid content, and lipid productivity, with increases of 23.55 %, 25.62 %, and 54.95 %, respectively, over the control. This combination also significantly increased nitrogen removal efficiency in the medium, which was 46.24 % higher that of the control. These results were attributed to the significant upregulation of genes associated with nitrogen metabolism mediated by the synergy of IAA and GABA, promoting nitrate uptake by algal cells in the medium. Genes involved in photosynthesis and lipid synthesis were also upregulated, facilitating simultaneous biomass and lipid accumulation to maximize lipid productivity. Overall, this study is the first to report the combined application of GABA and IAA as an effective strategy to enhance lipid productivity in Tribonema sp., providing insights into the underlying mechanisms. These findings offer a promising solution for economically improving microalgal lipid production.

Biodiesel Synthesis from Date Seed Oil Using Camel Dung as a Novel Green Catalyst: An Experimental Investigation

Biodiesel is seen as more environmentally benign than petroleum-based fuels. It is also cheaper and capable of creating cleaner energy, which has a good impact on increasing the bioeconomy. An investigation was conducted on a novel heterogeneous catalyst system utilized in the synthesis of eco-friendly biodiesel from date seed oil, a non-edible feedstock obtained through the calcination of desiccated camel manure at varying temperatures. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to characterize this catalyst. As a result of raising the calcination temperature, the results showed that the pore size of the catalyst decreased. The biodiesel production was optimized to be 86% by using the transesterification method. The optimal reaction parameters included a catalyst with 4% loading, a molar ratio of 1:8 between date seed oil and ethanol, and a temperature of 75 °C for a reaction period of three hours. The confirmation of FAME generation was achieved by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The fuel qualities of fatty acid ethyl ester are in accordance with ASTM, suggesting that it is a suitable alternative fuel option. Utilizing biodiesel derived from waste and untamed resources to establish and execute a more sustainable and ecologically conscious energy plan is praiseworthy. The adoption and integration of green energy practices could potentially yield positive environmental outcomes, thereby fostering enhanced societal and economic development for the biodiesel sector on a broader scale.

Characterization of Oils and Solid Residues Obtained from <i>Bauhinia variegata L.</i> and <i>Pachira glabra pasq.</i> Seeds Through the Solvent Extraction Method

Vegetable oils derived from non-edible seeds are excellent sources for producing biodiesel which serves as an alternative to fossil fuels. In this study, products viz vegetable oils and solid residues obtained from solvent extraction method of <i>Bauhinia variegata</i> and <i>Pachira glabra</i> seeds were characterized according to standard norms to evaluate their energy potential. The oils obtained have a free fatty acid content of 2.31 wt% and 13.6 wt%, a kinematic viscosity of 12.45 and 3.24 mm²/s, an iodine value of 17.26 and 12.37 (g of I<sub>2</sub>/100g of oil), a saponification value of 207.57 and 183.03 (mg of KOH/g of oil), a peroxide value of 10 and 8.06 (meq O<sub>2</sub>/kg of oil), and a calorific value of 40.66 and 65.08 MJ/kg, respectively. Furthermore, the physicochemical analysis of the oils revealed that they are excellent choice for biodiesel production. In addition, the proximate analysis of the solid residues of <i>Bauhinia variegata</i> and <i>Pachira glabra</i> showed high level of protein, fiber, and total carbohydrates with respective values of 34.79 and 30.41 wt%, 10.44 and 15.16 wt%, and 47.50 and 52.92 wt%. Mineral analysis indicated a high concentration of minerals, particularly potassium, sodium, calcium, and phosphorus. The solid residues exhibit anti-nutritional properties, making it suitable for various applications such as bioconversion by black soldier fly larvae, bioelectricity, biogas production, and biofuels among others.

Carbon-based magnetic nano-particle utilizing nano-biochar as core and its immobilizing lipase for biodiesel preparation

Using the transesterification capacity of lipase to produce eco-friendly biodiesel is a promising method for the achievement of a Net Zero future. The method of immobilized lipase enhances the usability of the enzyme and improves its stability. Carbon-based magnetic nano-particles (C-MNPs) with nano-biochar as the precipitation core were prepared as the support to immobilize Candida antarctica lipase B (CalB) for biodiesel preparation. The nano-biochar particles were derived through the calcination of rice straw powder and subsequently ground to the nanoscale. FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and VSM results showed that the obtained C-MNPs with a diameter of 13–17 nm were showing excellent superparamagnetism, and effectively immobilized the lipase on them (CalB@C-MNPs). The optimal reaction conditions in a 100-mL stoppered flask for biodiesel production were dissolving 5 g soybean oil in 3 mL tert-butanol solvent, adding 1.16 mL methanol (molar ratio of methanol to oil 5:1), 0.15 mL water, and 0.2 g CalB@C-MNPs, and then shaking at 200 rpm and 30 °C for 24 h. Its primarily optimized conversion efficiency of biodiesel was 83.1 %. After repeated use of immobilized CalB for 8 cycles, the remaining activity and biodiesel yield were 79.7 % and 66.3 %, respectively. As a robust catalyst, CalB@C-MNPs exhibited outstanding transesterification efficiency, the ability for rapid recovery under an external magnetic field, and a promising candidate in biodiesel production.

Phytochemical analysis and GC-MS based bioactive compounds determination of 60 days Nigerian Vigna Radiata aqueous root extract

In the present study, the sturdy root of Nigerian Vigna radiata (L.) commonly called mung bean was investigated for the phytochemical content. This was necessitated as a result of limited information observed on the phytochemical content of fully matured Nigerian Vigna radiata root. 60 days old Vigna radiata (L.) plant, a newly introduced crop in Nigeria, was harvested from the farm of National Biotechnology and Research Development Agency, Abagana Centre, Nigeria. The roots were neatly separated from the plant, rinsed well with distilled water, air dried and grounded into flour. The 60 days old Nigerian Vigna radiata root flour sample (NVrR) subjected to preliminary phytochemical assay revealed the presence of 12 bioactive compounds with a remarkable high percentage concentration of 26.780% recorded for flavonoids content. Tannins also recorded appreciable value of 8.927% while values < 5% were noted for the remaining compounds. Further confirmation of the actual bioactive compounds present in 60 days old NVrR through GC-MS studies, generated 30 observable peaks with 28 bioactive compounds identified through spectrum matching with MassHunter\Library\NIST14.L spectral database. The major component, eluted at RT 23.565 (peak area 33.38%) revealed a bioactive compound which has been reported as an active ingredient in the production of detergents and biodiesel. This discovery represents a groundbreaking innovation in the utilization of NVrR for the production of briquettes, offering a cost-effective alternative energy source. Isolation of the identified compounds may prove the NVrR an important raw material for industrial productions.

Catalytic Potential-Guided Design of Multi-Enzymatic System for DHA Production from Glycerol

The growing demand for sustainable chemical production has spurred significant interest in biocatalysis. This study is framed within the biocatalytic production of 1,3-dihydroxyacetone (DHA) from glycerol, a byproduct of biodiesel manufacturing. The main goal of this study is to address the challenge of identifying the optimal operating conditions. To achieve this, catalytic potential, a lumped parameter that considers both the activity and stability of immobilized biocatalysts, was used to guide the design of a multi-enzymatic system. The multi-enzymatic system comprises glycerol dehydrogenase (GlyDH) and NADH oxidase (NOX). The enzymatic oxidation of glycerol to DHA catalyzed by GlyDH requires the cofactor NAD+. The integration of NOX into a one-pot reactor allows for the in situ regeneration of NAD+, enhancing the overall efficiency of the process. Furthermore, immobilization on Ni+2 agarose chelated supports, combined with post-immobilization modifications (glutaraldehyde crosslinking for GlyDH), significantly improved the stability and activity of both enzymes. The catalytic potential enabled the identification of the optimal operating conditions, which were 30 °C and pH 7.5, favoring NOX stability. This work establishes a framework for the rational design and optimization of multi-enzymatic systems. It highlights the crucial interplay between individual enzyme properties and process conditions to achieve efficient and sustainable biocatalytic transformations.

RETRACTED: Wan Basri et al. A Sugarcane-Bagasse-Based Adsorbent Employed for Mitigating Eutrophication Threats and Producing Biodiesel Simultaneously. Processes 2019, 7, 572

The journal retracts the article titled “A Sugarcane-Bagasse-Based Adsorbent Employed for Mitigating Eutrophication Threats and Producing Biodiesel Simultaneously” [...]

Distribution and Diversity of Phytoplankton in Lake Alau, Maiduguri, Northeast Nigeria

The production of biodiesel from Thevetia peruviana seed oil using two different catalysts (NaOH and KOH) was evaluated. The Physical and chemical properties after extracting the seed oil were determined and the following results were obtained (density; 0.896g/cm3 , pH; 5.6, oil content; 32.5%, moisture content; 1.5%, specific gravity; 1.33, viscosity; 20mm2 /s, and refractive index; 1.48) and (Acid value; 0.3 mg of KOH/g, free fatty acid; 0.45%, iodine value; 38.5gI/100g, saponification value; was 75mg/KOH) respectively. Different catalysts were prepared by dissolving separately (0.18g. 0.20g and 0.21g) w% of NaOH and another 0.18g, 0.20, 0.21g w% of KOH pellets each in 10ml of methanol to produce concentrations of sodium and potassium methoxide respectively. Furthermore, Yellow Oleander Oil (YOO) was divided into 6 portions (25ml each) and poured into 6 different beakers (100ml) and separately placed on a magnetic stirrer. The amount of biodiesel produced at different concentrations of NaOH catalyst was 20.3ml, 20.1ml, and 22.3ml and the amount of biodiesel produced at different concentration of KOH were 24.2ml, 22.1ml, and 21.0ml. The conversion yield of the biodiesel catalysts was 81.2%, 80.4% and 89% for the NaOH catalyst and 96.8%, 88.4% and 84.0 for the KOH catalyst. The properties of the biodiesel such as flash point were 68℃, pour point was 3℃, cloud point was 7℃, cetane number was 98, the acid value was 0.5mg of KOH/g, density was g/cm3 , Iodine value was 3gI/100g, saponification value was 104, viscosity was 1.5mm2 s, the refractive index was 1.49. The results obtained from the study indicate that the physicochemical properties of the synthesized biodiesel are in agreement with the ASTM standard specifications. Both catalysts gave a considerable yield with KOH having a higher yield than NaOH in almost all the concentrations used. Thevetia peruviana can be considered a highly promising feedstock for biodiesel production.

Biomass to biofuel: Palm kernel shells as catalyst supports for enhanced biodiesel production

AbstractThe use of agricultural biomass fibers, specifically palm kernel shell (PKS), has significant potential to enhance biodiesel production. This approach overcomes economic barriers and contributes to sustainability by repurposing agricultural biomass. This study explores the effectiveness of PKS as a cost‐effective and sustainable catalyst support. Palm kernel shell was chosen due to its high carbon content, low ash presence, and abundance as a byproduct in the palm oil industry, making it an economically viable and environmentally friendly option. In this study, an optimized activated carbon from PKS biomass was fabricated as catalyst support to enhance biodiesel production efficiency. Using response surface methodology (RSM), the PKS was impregnated with phosphoric acid and synthesized at various acid concentrations, impregnation times, and activation times to enhance porosity for catalytic support capabilities. The experimental design included a central composite design (CCD) to vary these factors systematically and determine their optimal levels. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis revealed significant development of porosity, affirming the efficient activation process. Energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis confirmed phosphorus incorporation during activation, indicating the formation of an intricate pore structure. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy highlighted the presence of functional groups pertinent to the biodiesel reaction process. The transesterification process employing PKS as a catalyst with different biobased feedstocks, such as waste frying oils from corn, palm, and sunflower, led to biodiesel yields of varying efficiencies. Notably, corn oil had the highest yield at 94.92%. This study highlights the potential of PKS as a biobased catalyst support and contributes to the broader biorefinery concept by integrating biomass utilization into renewable fuel production.

An environmentally greener and reusability approach for bioenergy production using Mallotus philippensis (Kamala) seed oil feedstock via phytonanotechnology

Abstract Mallotus philippensis, a novel and mostly unexplored feedstock with a significantly greater oil content of 50%, serves as the foundation of a prospective and sustainable supply for biodiesel synthesis. The most notable aspect of this research is the development and application of a bio-based green nanocatalyst with ingenuity and environmental safety via a method employing an autoclave reactor from raw conventional materials such as rotten fungus fruits infused with a nano-WO3 catalyst. The obtained catalyst was then subjected to several analyses, including scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. This research focused on the potential of this unique feedstock within the limits of an industrial setting. The synthesized nanocatalyst showed promising long-term performance and great catalytic efficiency. The biodiesel production reached its peak under optimal conditions, which included a methanol-to-oil ratio of 11:1, a reaction period of 120 min at 110°C, and a catalyst concentration of 0.15% by weight. Under precisely optimized conditions, this investigation rigorously examined the effectiveness, environmental stability, reusability, and economic feasibility of this green catalyst. The findings of this study demonstrate the stability and consistency of nanocatalyst performance, particularly throughout reusability cycles.

Catalytic evaluation of eggshell‐based calcium methoxide over Al2O3 for biodiesel generation from waste cooking oil

AbstractShell‐derived materials are promising heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel production due to their nontoxic and renewable nature, but they have the disadvantage of being highly leachable. To overcome this issue, Ca(OCH3)2 formed through the reaction of CaO with methanol, and supported in turn on Al2O3 is proposed as a catalytic system for the transesterification of fresh soybean oil and waste cooking oil (WCO). First, catalysts with several Al/Ca molar ratios (0.2, 0.5, and 0.8‐AC), as well as their precursors (CaO and Al2O3) alone, were tested at 60 °C, catalyst loading 6% wt, methanol‐to‐oil molar ratio (MOR) 10, for 1 h for fresh oil, and 3 h for WCO. The 0.2‐AC catalyst generated the highest biodiesel yield for both oils. The optimum operating conditions for WCO transesterification, determined by using a univariable approach, were 60 °C, 9 wt% catalyst loading, MOR of 12.5, and a reaction time of 3 h. These improved conditions led to yields higher than 90% for pure CaO and the 0.2, 0.5, and 0.8‐AC catalysts. The density, kinematic viscosity, and refractive index of the biodiesel obtained were measured.

Comparative assessment for biodiesel production from low-cost feedstocks of third oil generation

Biodiesel offers a sustainable fossil fuel alternative, highlighting the importance of third-generation feedstocks like macroalgae and waste frying oils (WFO) from palm, sunflower, and corn. This study investigates their physicochemical properties using different feedstocks towards biodiesel standard specifications. The feedstocks were synthesised through transesterification process at operating parameters molar ratio of methanol to oil (3:1–12:1), catalyst concentration (0.5–3 wt %), reaction time (60–240 min), and reaction temperature (55–75 °C). The fatty acid compositions were analysed using GC-Fid shows Azolla filiculoides (54.0 %), Ulva lactuca (56.0 %), WFO palm (56.5 %), WFO sunflower (85.7 %) and WFO corn (82.7 %) biodiesels dominated by unsaturated fatty acids have good physicochemical properties such as densities (872–883 kg/m3), kinematic viscosities (3.52–5.3 mm2/s), cloud points (10 °C to −10 °C), pour points (8 °C to −12 °C), cetane numbers (44.4–57.9), heating values (38.60–41.68 MJ/kg), and iodine values (60.94–129.15 g I2/100 g) meet the specification of biodiesel standards. This study reveals fatty acid profiles significantly impact the physicochemical properties of biodiesel. Among all feedstocks, Azolla filiculoides demonstrating particularly promising characteristics for biodiesel production. These findings advocate for the increased exploration of third-generation feedstocks in the quest for sustainable biodiesel production processes.

287 Effects of crude glycerin supplementation of beef cattle grazing wheat pasture on forage intake and characteristics of rumen fermentation

Abstract Crude glycerin (CG), mainly composed of glycerin, is a by-product of biodiesel production. Glycerin can be utilized as a substrate of gluconeogenesis by either rapid fermentation to propionate in the rumen or can be directly absorbed through the rumen epithelial wall, resulting in the conversion to glucose in the liver. Therefore, CG supplementation may increase the energy intake of cattle grazing wheat pasture. Ruminally cannulated Angus-crossbred cows [n = 9; 564.4 ±101.6 kg initial body weight (BW)] grazing wheat pasture were utilized in a split-plot design with the objective of evaluating the effects of CG supplementation and forage maturity on forage intake and rumen fermentation characteristics. Treatment was the main plot, and stage of forage maturity was the subplot. Treatments were unsupplemented control (CON) and crude glycerin supplementation (SUP; 37.2% glycerin, DM basis) dosed at 0.11% BW (DM basis). Supplementation levels correspond to 5% of the diet, assuming forage intake of 2.2% of BW on a DM basis. The stages of wheat maturity pasture were March (MAR; vegetative stage) and April (APR; early reproductive stage). Cows grazed a single wheat pasture and were supplemented directly through the rumen cannula twice daily at 0700 and 1900 h. Forage intake in kg/d and as % of BW was greater (P = 0.04) for SUP than CON. Ruminal pH, ammonia, and VFA concentrations, as well as proportions of VFAs, were not affected by CG supplementation (P ≥ 0.34; Table 1). However, ruminal pH (5.77 and 5.99 ± 0.049) and ammonia concentration (0.67 and 3.37 ± 0.307 mM) were greater, while total VFA concentration (136.3 and 110.8 ± 5.23 mM) was less (P = 0.01) for APR compared with MAR. Acetate, propionate, and butyrate molar proportions, as well as acetate: propionate ratio, were not affected (P ≥ 0.27) by the stage of wheat pasture maturity. Results indicate that crude glycerin used as an ingredient in supplementation strategies for cattle grazing wheat pasture may increase cattle energy intake without negatively affecting forage intake and ruminal fermentation.

The application of synthetic wollastonite in digital light processing 3D printing

In this study, 3D printable organic-inorganic resins were developed using glycerol dimethacrylate, which can be synthesised from glycerol obtained as a by-product of the biodiesel production process, and wollastonite synthesised from reagent-grade materials, the by-product of the aluminium fluoride manufacturing process, silica gel waste or natural rock. The developed recyclable waste-based material was proven to be compatible with the widely available desktop DLP 3D PICO2 39 printer. It allowed straightforward additive manufacturing of true 3D structures with sub-millimetre spatial definition using standard printing parameters. This opens the way for the production of inorganic objects from reusable industrial waste.

RSM integrated GWO, Driving Training, and Election-Based Algorithms for optimising ethylic biodiesel from ternary oil of neem, animal fat, and jatropha

The worldwide exploration of the ethanolysis protocol (EP) has decreased despite the multifaceted benefits of ethanol, such as lower toxicity, higher oxygen content, higher renewability, and fewer emission tail compared to methanol, and the enhanced fuel properties with improved engine characteristics of multiple-oily feedstocks (MOFs) compared to single-oily feedstocks. The study first proposed a strategy for the optimisation of ethylic biodiesel synthesis from MOFs: neem, animal fat, and jatropha oil (NFJO) on a batch reactor. The project's goals were to ensure environmental benignity and encourage the use of totally biobased products. This was made possible by the introduction of novel population based algorithms such as Driving Training-Based Optimization (DTBO) and Election-Based Optimization (EBOA), which were compared with the widely used Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) combined with Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The yield of NFJO ethyl ester (NFJOEE) was predicted using the RSM technique, and the ideal transesterification conditions were determined using the DTBO, EBOA, and GWO algorithms. Reaction time showed a strong linear relationship with ethylic biodiesel yield, while ethanol-to-NFJO molar ratio, catalyst dosage, and reaction temperature showed nonlinear effects. Reaction time was the most significant contributor to NFJOEE yield.The important fundamental characteristics of the fuel categories were investigated using the ASTM test procedures. The maximum NFJOEE yield (86.3%) was obtained at an ethanol/NFJO molar ratio of 5.99, KOH content of 0.915 wt.%, ethylic duration of 67.43 min, and reaction temperature of 61.55 °C. EBOA outperforms DTBO and GWO regarding iteration and computation time, converging towards a global fitness value equal to 7 for 4 s, 20 for 5 s and 985 for 34 s. The key fuel properties conformed to the standards outlined by ASTMD6751 and EN 14,214 specifications. The NFJOEE fuel processing cost is 0.9328 USD, and is comparatively lesser than that of conventional diesel. The new postulated population based algorithm models can be a prospective approach for enhancing biodiesel production from numerous MOFs and ensuring a balanced ecosystem and fulfilling enviromental benignity when adopted.

Photosynthesizing carbonate/nitrate into Chlorococcum humicola biomass for biodiesel and Bacillus coagulans-based biohydrogen production

Biofuel can be generated by different organisms using various substrates. The green alga Chlorococcum humicola OQ934050 exhibited the capability to photosynthesize carbonate carbon, maybe via the activity of carbonic anhydrase enzymes. The optimum treatment is C:N ratio of 1:1 (0.2 mmoles sodium carbonate and 0.2 mmoles sodium nitrate) as it induced the highest dry mass (more than 0.5 mg.mL−1). At this combination, biomass were about 0.2 mg/mL−1 carbohydrates, 0.085 mg/mL−1 proteins, and 0.16 mg/mL−1 oil of this dry weight. The C/N ratios of 1:1 or 10:1 induced up to 30% of the Chlorococcum humicola dry mass as oils. Growth and dry matter content were hindered at 50:1 C/N and oil content was reduced as a result. The fatty acid profile was strongly altered by the applied C.N ratios. The defatted leftovers of the grown alga, after oil extraction, were fermented by a newly isolated heterotrophic bacterium, identified as Bacillus coagulans OQ053202, to evolve hydrogen content as gas. The highest cumulative hydrogen production and reducing sugar (70 ml H2/g biomass and 0.128 mg/ml; respectively) were found at the C/N ratio of 10:1 with the highest hydrogen evolution efficiency (HEE) of 22.8 ml H2/ mg reducing sugar. The optimum treatment applied to the Chlorococcum humicola is C:N ratio of 1:1 for the highest dry mass, up to 30% dry mass as oils. Some fatty acids were induced while others disappeared, depending on the C/N ratios. The highest cumulative hydrogen production and reducing sugar were found at the C/N ratio of 10:1.

An economic, and environmentally benign Psidium guajava L. leaves catalyst for biodiesel production at room temperature: Process optimization, and life cycle cost analysis

Biodiesel has emerged as a popular alternative to conventional fossil fuel in transportation sector and thus producing low-cost biodiesel is a topic of interest for a large community of researchers. This study reports the preparation of an efficient and robust heterogeneous catalyst from dried Psidium guajava L. (Guava) leaves and its application towards generation of biodiesel from soybean oil at room temperature. The biomass material was calcinated at variable temperature and the efficiency of each of the catalyst prepared was studied. The catalyst generated as well as the product biodiesel was thoroughly characterized using sophisticated analytical techniques. The catalyst was found to have mesoporous structure with active basic sites which contributed towards accelerating the transesterification process. Detailed characterization unveiled the occurrence of Ca as oxide and carbonate, in addition to a certain quantity of K in oxide and carbonate form, which contribute to the catalyst’s activity. Maximum biodiesel yield of 95.8 % was observed for reaction performed under optimum experimental conditions i.e., 1:17 oil-to-methanol ratio, 6 wt% loading of GL-850 (catalyst prepared by calcination at 850°C), and 15 % n-Hexane loading for 3 h at room temperature. GL-850 demonstrated exceptional recyclability for up to the fifth cycle exhibiting a mere 3.7 % decline in yield. The calculated expense for 1 kg catalyst was found to be $0.478, whereas the production cost of 1 kg biodiesel was found to be merely $1.120, indicating a strong economic feasibility of the process.