By-product Of Ethanol Production Research Articles

Enhancing biogas production from vinasse through optimizing hydraulic retention time and added load using the response surface methodology

Vinasse, a byproduct of ethanol production from sugarcane, is a rich organic matter and poses environmental challenges due to its high pollutant content. Effective biomethane production from vinasse can mitigate its environmental impact by converting organic matter into a useful energy source while reducing its pollutant load. The biomethane production by anaerobic digestion (AD) process of the vinasse byproduct was examined on a laboratory scale. In this regard, several loads from 0.5 to 7 g VS/L were investigated to assess AD performance and methane production. This study investigated how two separate factors, namely the load and hydraulic retention time (HRT), affect both cumulative methane production (CMP) and methane yield (YCH4). This investigation utilized a response surface methodology known as the central composite design (RSM-CCD). Statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to evaluate the effectiveness of the model generated. Thus, the model's fit, YCH4 has a maximum R2 value of 0.9759. The results revealed an astounding level of agreement between the experimental data and the proposed model. The RSM results revealed maximum CMP and YCH4 values of 409.82 ml and 178.95 ml/g VS respectively, obtained for optimum load values of 2.17 g VS/L and HRT of 15 h. The results emphasize the environmental and economic significance of AD, providing a sustainable waste management solution that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and organic pollution. Additionally, it generates valuable biogas and biofertilizers, presenting economic opportunities through renewable energy production and resource recovery. This approach not only alleviates the environmental burden of vinasse but also enhances the economic viability of ethanol production by creating additional revenue streams.

163 Impact of feeding wet or dry traditional or fractionated (Solbran) distiller’s grains on feedlot cattle performance and carcass characteristics

Abstract Solbran (ICM, Colwich, KS) is new corn byproduct of ethanol production composed of fiber plus condensed distiller’s solubles and can be fed dry (Dry Solbran; NDF = 41.1%; CP = 21.84%; Ether extract = 8.4%), or wet (Wet Solbran; NDF = 49.7%; CP = 22.67%; Ether extract = 8.5%). The objective of this study was to evaluate the energy value of dry and wet Solbran compared with traditional dry- (DDGS) and wet- distiller’s grains plus solubles (WGGS) in beef cattle finishing diets. The treatments included a control (CON) with no distiller’s grains compared with the inclusion of DDGS, WDGS, Dry Solbran and Wet Solbran at two levels (20% and 40%) resulting in a 2 × 2 × 2 + 1 factorial. Orthogonal contrasts defined linear and quadratic effects of byproduct inclusion through the common intercept of CON. Additionally, interactions among inclusion (20% or 40%), moisture (dry and wet) and processing method (Solbran or traditional) were evaluated as a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial without CON. There was a linear increase in dry matter intake (DMI) by adding DDGS, Dry Solbran, and Wet Solbran (P < 0.01) and a tendency for a linear increase in dry matter intake (DMI) with WDGS (P = 0.07). There was a linear increase in ADG by adding DDGS or Wet Solbran (P < 0.05) and a tendency for a linear increase in average daily gain (ADG) with the addition of Dry Solbran or WDGS (P < 0.10). These changes in DMI and ADG resulted in a linear decrease in gain to feed ratio (G:F) when Dry Solbran was added (P < 0.01), and a tendency towards a linear decrease in G:F when DDGS was added (P < 0.10). The inclusion of Wet Solbran or WDGS did not influence G:F (P = 0.45). For the 2 × 2 × 2 factorial, there was a 2-way interaction for moisture by inclusion of byproduct for G:F where wet byproduct fed at 40% of the diet resulted in the greatest G:F and 40% dry byproduct resulted in the least G:F (P = 0.04). This interaction was driven by an increase in DMI for 40% byproduct when fed dry, and a reduction in DMI for both 20 and 40% byproduct fed wet. There was no difference in ADG between the treatments (P = 0.75). For the main effect byproduct type, steers fed Solbran had greater DMI (P < 0.01) with no difference in ADG (P = 0.79), resulting in a 3% reduction in G:F (P = 0.03) for steers fed Solbran but greater marbling (P < 0.01). Impact of feeding distillers grains byproducts on DMI, ADG, and G:F are impacted by the processes used in the ethanol plant, whether wet or dry, and dietary inclusion.

From waste to raw chemicals: Catalytic transformation of fusel oil by mixed metal oxides

In this study, we detail a catalytic process for the conversion of fusel oil (FO), a by-product of ethanol production considered as waste, into valuable organic compounds, including aldehydes, alkenes, ketones, and alkylbenzenes spanning a carbon chain length from C6 to C12. The reaction was carried out in a fixed bed flow reactor at atmospheric pressure, employing mixed metal oxides (MMO) derived from hydrotalcites (HTC) as catalysts. The HTC were readily synthesized by co-precipitation method involving Mg2+ and Al3+, wherein 20 mol% Mg2+ was substituted by M2+ = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn, and MMO obtained by HTC calcination. These catalysts offer cost-effectiveness compared to noble metal-containing ones while exhibiting remarkable activity in dehydrogenation, hydrogenation, and dehydration reactions pivotal for alcohol reactivity. The proposed methodology holds promise for large-scale industrial use and pioneers a fresh avenue for deriving value-added raw chemicals from a renewable carbon source.

Physicochemical Pretreatment of Vietnamosasa pusilla for Bioethanol and Xylitol Production.

The consumption of fossil fuels has resulted in severe environmental consequences, including greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Therefore, transitioning to alternative energy sources, such as cellulosic ethanol, is a promising strategy for reducing environmental impacts and promoting sustainable low-carbon energy. Vietnamosasa pusilla, an invasive weed, has been recognized as a high potential feedstock for sugar-based biorefineries due to its high total carbohydrate content, including glucan (48.1 ± 0.3%) and xylan (19.2 ± 0.4%). This study aimed to examine the impact of NaOH pretreatment-assisted autoclaving on V. pusilla feedstock. The V. pusilla enzymatic hydrolysate was used as a substrate for bioethanol and xylitol synthesis. After treating the feedstock with varying concentrations of NaOH at different temperatures, the glucose and xylose recovery yields were substantially higher than those of the untreated material. The hydrolysate generated by enzymatic hydrolysis was fermented into bioethanol using Saccharomyces cerevisiae TISTR 5339. The liquid byproduct of ethanol production was utilized by Candida tropicalis TISTR 5171 to generate xylitol. The results of this study indicate that the six- and five-carbon sugars of V. pusilla biomass have great potential for the production of two value-added products (bioethanol and xylitol).

Application of by-products of ethanol production in the fuel industry

This article analyzes two ways of solving environmental problems in the fuel industry, which arose due to the need to stabilize the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. According to the first direction, the ways of using various non-traditional types of raw materials and waste containing sugars for the purpose of producing environmentally friendly types of fuel are considered. According to the second direction, the possibilities of integrated use of ethanol and all by-products formed during its production are analyzed to improve ecology in the fuel industry. We have established the possibility of using the by-products of ethanol production, fuel oil and fuel alcohol, to improve the operational properties of motor fuels used in carburetor and diesel engines. It has been stated that the additives of fuel alcohol and fuel oil increase the octane number of gasoline, improve its fractional composition, as a result of which the completeness of fuel combustion and the uniformity of its supply to the engine cylinders increase. The optimal concentrations of alcohol additives to gasoline are as follows: 5 vol.% and 10 vol.% for fuel alcohols and fuel oil, respectively. It has been established that the addition of fuel oil to diesel fuels increases their cetane number, this causes the mixture to ignite faster and the diesel engine to start. Moreover, with the addition of fuel oil, the temperature of the beginning of boiling decreases which facilitates the starting properties of the fuel, and the viscosity of the fuel mixture decreases which improves the completeness of mixing and transportation in the engine system. The optimal concentration of fuel oil additive to diesel fuel is 10 vol.%.

Hydrogen production by steam reforming of fusel oil over nickel deposited on pyrolyzed rice husk supports

Fusel oil is mixed alcohol as a by-product of ethanol production, and it can be used as a cheap and renewable source to produce Hydrogen (H2) via steam reforming. Silicon carbide (SiC) was successfully synthesized by pyrolysis of rice husk at different temperatures (1300, 1500, and 1700 °C) and was used as a support for a nickel (Ni) catalyst in steam reforming of fusel oil. The results exhibited pyrolysis temperature had a significant effect on the structure and crystalline phase of SiC, where pyrolysis of rice husk over 1500 °C resulted in the formation of a rod structure and β-SiC phase. The surface area of pyrolyzed rice husk was obtained for 19, 64, and 25 m2/g at pyrolysis temperatures of 1300, 1500, and 1700 °C, respectively. The performance of the Ni on the pyrolyzed rice husk support on steam reforming of fusel oil (SRF) was investigated at 700 °C and compared with Ni on commercial SiC. The Ni/SiC1500 exhibited the highest catalytic performance, and its activity remained almost constant during a 300 min stability test. The H2 yield produced from the Ni/SiC1500 was 29% after 180 min and remained stable because the unique rod structure and β-SiC phase reduced carbon formation, thus giving an excellent performance.

Effect of dietary inclusion of rice distillers dried grains with solubles (rDDGS) on growth performance and production efficiency of Kuroiler chicken

Rice Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (rDDGS) is a by-product of ethanol production which is used as alternative protein source in the poultry diet. Present investigation was conducted to assess the growth performance and production efficiency in Kuroiler chickens. Feeding trial was designed into four dietary groups, viz. T0 (Control, without rDDGS), T1 (7.5% rDDGS), T2 (15% rDDGS) and T3 (22.5% rDDGS) in different treatment groups along with basal corn soybean diet. Significant variations from 2nd to 8th weeks of age for body weight were found in all the dietary groups. Body weight gain differed significantly from 1st to 5th weeks among all the groups, however, overall (1-56d) body weight gain was found highest in T2 group (1640.29 g) followed by T1 (1572.52 g), T0 (1534.01 g) and T3 (1466.75 g). Feed intake showed significant variation from 2nd to 6th weeks of age. Maximum feed intake during entire length of trial was observed in the dietary group T2 and lowest in T3. Feed conversion ratio, feed conversion efficiency and protein efficiency ratio were not influenced significantly by feeding rDDGS. Hence, inclusion of rDDGS may be suggested as an alternate protein source and can replace soybean meal up to 15% without any detrimental effect on health and productivity.

A Simple Method to Synthesize Novel Mesoporous Carbon–silica Composites from the By-product of Ethanol Production

A Simple Method to Synthesize Novel Mesoporous Carbon–silica Composites from the By-product of Ethanol Production

Sustainable design and optimization of the recovery process of acetic acid from vinasse: Operational, economic, and environmental analysis

Acetic acid production through biological routes has gain attention as an alternative to catalytic processes and, currently, 10% of the world production come from biological processes. It is a by-product of ethanol production through fermentation, but its recovery faces challenges such as high-water content and the presence of other organic acids. Therefore, the aim of the present work is to develop the optimal design of the recovery process of acetic acid from vinasse through liquid-liquid extraction followed by heterogeneous azeotropic distillation. Three configurations were evaluated: Conventional (CONV); Full-Heat Integrated (FHINT); and Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR). The total annual cost (TAC) was optimized using the genetic algorithms method. The MVR configuration presents the lowest TAC, but the capital cost of this process is high when compared to the other configurations. The CONV configuration, even with the lowest CAPEX, does not present good economic and environmental indicators. The FHINT configuration had intermediate OPEX, and slightly higher CAPEX compared to the CONV configuration. If payback is not a decisive factor, the MVR configuration is the most suitable due to its excellent operational and environmental indicators; but if so, the FHINT configuration is more suitable due to its lower CAPEX.

Modification of Deoxynivalenol by a Fungal Laccase Paired with Redox Mediator TEMPO.

Mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol introduce a health risk to the food supply and are costly to manage or avoid. Technologies for reducing or eliminating the toxicity of deoxynivalenol could be useful in a variety of processes, such as in preserving the value as animal feed of byproducts of ethanol production. We characterized transformation products of deoxynivalenol that were formed by the combination of a fungal laccase paired with the chemical mediator 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl (TEMPO), using chromatography, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Alcohol groups at the C3 and C15 positions of deoxynivalenol were oxidized to ketones, and the chemical mediator became covalently linked to the C4 position. Conditions experienced during gas chromatography led to the dissociation of TEMPO, forming 3,15-diketodeoxynivalenol. Understanding the range of possible modifications to deoxynivalenol and other trichothecenes is a necessary step toward effective remediation of contaminated grain.

Role of a conserved family of serine hydrolases in ethanol toxicity

A recent CRISPR screen for genes involved in controlling acetaldehyde dependent ethanol toxicity, identified OVCA2, a conserved serine hydrolase, as the highest protectant against acetaldehyde toxicity. OVCA2 is a member of a larger, diverse group of proteins responsible for metabolic activities known as the family of serine hydrolases (FSH). In S. cerevisiae,three FSH homologues (FSH1, FSH2, and FSH3) are present, but their overlapping functions and their connection to acetaldehyde toxicity are unknown. In this study, we worked to understand the role of FSH proteins in controlling acetaldehyde toxicity in two divergent ways. First, we compared the substrate specificity of the three FSH homologues from S. cerevisiae against a library of ester substrates at varying pH environments. Second, we constructed combinatorial deletions of FSH genes in S. cerevisiae and screened deletion strains for changes in growth under high ethanol, acetaldehyde, and varying other toxic aldehydes. For enzyme activity, both FSH2 and FSH3 had a preference for alkaline conditions and thus the comparative substrate specificity screen was completed at pH 7.5. In this screen, FSH2 and FSH3 showed substrate preferences in line with FSH1, as they both preferred short chain esters versus longer chain esters (>8C). To further evaluate the metabolic activity of FSH enzymes in acetaldehyde toxicity, single, double, and triple deletion strains of the three FSH genes were made in S. cerevisiae. Proper gene deletions for each strain were confirmed by colony PCR. Each of the deletion strains were then grown on agar plates with varying concentrations of alcohol and aldehyde toxins. Each of the single deletion mutants showed similar growth rates to each other and to the wild‐type strain by spot dilution but exhibited slightly different colony morphology from the wild‐type strain. Further testing on the ability to withstand toxins produced by the alcohol metabolism pathway will be conducted to determine whether these enzymes and OVCA2 can metabolize the toxic byproducts of ethanol production.

DMPP mitigates N2O emissions from nitrogen fertilizer applied with concentrated and standard vinasse

The application of vinasse, an organic byproduct of ethanol production, can enhance greenhouse gas emissions from N fertilizers, especially nitrous oxide (N2O). The objective of this work was to test the efficiency of the nitrification inhibitor (NI) 3,4 dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) in reducing N2O emissions from urea (UR) and ammonium nitrate (AN) applied with or without standard (V) or concentrated vinasse (CV). Two laboratory studies were conducted with repacked soil columns from a sugarcane field. Based on usual field rates, UR and AN were added at a rate equivalent to 100 kg N ha−1, V was added at 100 m3 ha−1 (51 kg N ha−1), and CV was added at 20 m3 ha−1 (Exp. 1: 35 kg N ha−1 and Exp. 2: 56 kg N ha−1). N2O emissions were measured for 75 and 61 days after the input of fertilizers and vinasses. When mineral fertilizers were compared, the N2O-N emission factors (EFs) were: 0.08% (AN) and 1.44% (UR). Combined with N fertilizers, vinasses (CV and V) greatly enhanced the N2O emissions from soil (ranging from 0.76% to 1.5% in one study and 1.37% to 6.27% in the other). In addition, CV + N fertilizer emitted more N2O than V + N fertilizer or N fertilizer alone. However, NI reduced N2O emissions by 80% on average for vinasses (CV and V) plus N fertilizer (AN and UR) and UR alone, but not for AN alone. Since both vinasses and mineral N fertilizers are standard inputs for sugarcane production and high N2O emissions are observed when they are applied in the same area, NI should be considered for mitigation of soil N2O emissions from sugarcane used for bioenergy.

SUGARCANE BAGASSE LIGNIN OBTAINED BY DIFFERENT EXTRACTION METHODS

Sugarcane bagasse (SB) is a by-product of ethanol production obtained in large quantities worldwide, including Brazil. Lignin is one of SB components, and its extraction is of great interest due to its vast potential for use. In this study, sugarcane bagasse was subjected to two methods of lignin extraction to obtain: Klason lignin (LKL) and milled wood lignin (MWL). The syringil/guaiacyl ratio of the lignin obtained from sugarcane bagasse was 1.67. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that LKL is more resistant to thermal degradation than MWL. According to the FTIR spectra, LKL yields a more oxidized lignin, presenting greater changes in its structure than MWL. Thus, this study provides information on the changes caused by different extractions and strengthens future studies on the transformation of lignin into products of high added value.

Attractivity of vinasse spraying to stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans in a sugarcane area

ABSTRACT: Stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) outbreaks have been associated with sugarcane mills in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the attractivity of vinasse, a liquid byproduct of ethanol production applied to postharvest sugarcane fields, to adult S. calcitrans. Stable fly abundance was monitored for 21 days in August-September 2014, at a sugarcane mill in the municipality of Nova Alvorada do Sul, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Following mechanized harvesting of sugarcane and the consequent deposition of large amounts of plant residue (straw) in the field, the study area (13.5ha) was surrounded by 22 sticky cylinder (“alsynite”) traps. The area was fertigated with vinasse immediately after the traps were placed. Insects caught in the traps were collected daily at 7:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 15:00 p.m. A total of 83,593 specimens of S. calcitrans were caught, of which 5,516 (6.6%) were attracted within the first five hours after vinasse application. The highest number of S. calcitrans was caught in the first week following vinasse application, with a peak on the 4th day (12,818 flies), which was influenced by adverse weather conditions on the previous days. This study confirms that fertigation of sugarcane fields by spraying vinasse after the harvest attracts S. calcitrans, thus quickly increasing their abundance over the days following application.

Statistical entropy analysis as a proxy method for quantitative evaluation of phosphorus of a food-based bioethanol system

As an essential mineral element to sustain human existence, phosphorus (P) is a non-renewable resource and in food production, there is no substitute for it. Increasingly P resource stress and runoff pollution have inspired the search for more accurate and concise P management. In this study, mass joint entropy (MJE), an indicator that is based on statistical entropy, was introduced to describe the synergistic effect between P concentration and mass. Statistical entropy analysis (SEA) in combination with substance flow analysis (SFA) was used to qualify the P entropy trends. The life cycle of food-based (corn and cassava) bioethanol production in China served as the system for a case study to demonstrate this entropy-based method for quantitative P evaluation. Among the output, effluent from a fertilizer factory with the highest MJE for both corn (2.4 × 10−4) and cassava (6.5 × 10−5) contributed to the greatest amount of P emissions; wastewater sludge shows the strongest utilization potential for both. The SEA of the P life cycle reveals that the corn-based system, with a relative statistical entropy (RSE) of 0.28, is significantly more efficient in P utilization than the cassava-based system (RSE of 0.33), which is reinforced by the stronger link between organic fertilizer (livestock manure and by-products of ethanol production) to the arable land. Therefore, through combining SEA on the basis of SFA, the P system can be deeply understood from the perspectives of pollution and circulation, mass and information storage/transmission, status quo, and management. Such methodological advances will be crucial to evaluate the P resource utilization and pollution discharge in different processes and systems to fully embrace effective P management.

Assessment of the Effects of Sugarcane Straw Addition to the Flocculation/Coagulation Process on Vinasse Concentration

Abstract Vinasse is the main by-product of ethanol production. In 2005, its application was regulated in the state of Sao Paulo, so if it is to be applied to the fields, its volume must meet the established concentration regulations. Straw contains one-third of sugarcane calorific value and can be used for cogeneration. For these purposes, the project objective was to assess the effects of straw on the concentration of vinasse solids through physical and chemical processes, so its concentrated form could be used as biomass for cogeneration. For that, different concentrations of straw, ferric sulphate, and ferric chloride were used. Turbidity reduction was the parameter analysed. Both reagents were effective in reducing the turbidity. The 200 ppm of ferric chloride and 0.25% straw content reduced the turbidity by 55.02% and 400 ppm of ferric sulphate and 0.25% of straw reduced it by 57.96%. The addition of straw showed no significant effect in terms of the turbidity reduction, however, both best treatments had 0.25% straw content addition in it. Straw can be used to concentrate vinasse, contributing to the efficiency of the process and increasing the energy potential of the concentrated solids.

Role of nanofiltration or reverse osmosis integrated to ultrafiltration-anaerobic membrane bioreactor treating vinasse for the conservation of water and nutrients in the ethanol industry

Sugarcane vinasse is the byproduct of ethanol production and, in many places, its final disposition has been its application in cane fields through fertigation. However, the incorrect practice of this technique can result in soil acidification, increase of salinity, and contamination of groundwater. Appropriate technologies and treatment processes can enable the recovery of byproducts from sugarcane vinasse, such as water, nutrients and energy. Thus, this study studied the integration of nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO), to ultrafiltration (UF) and two-stage anaerobic membrane bioreactor (2S-AnMBR) treatment aiming at the recovery of energy, nutrients (NF/RO concentrate) and water (NF/RO permeate). Seven types of commercial nanofiltration (NF) / reverse osmosis (RO) membranes were evaluated. The 2S-AnMBR reduced the vinasse organic matter and potentially produced 4.9 Nm3 of CH4 m−3 of vinasse that can be used for energy purposes. The low-pressure RO membrane stood out among the membranes investigated in this study, demonstrating a good performance in terms of pollutants retention, fouling potential and specific energy consumption (SEC), with an optimal recovery rate value below 40 % at 12 bar of operation. The final RO treatment was a viable alternative to generate water for industrial reuse, allowing the production of 3.2–4.8 m3 of treated water per m3 of ethanol produced. Besides, the retentate produced by RO had an organic carbon concentration 9 times lower compared to raw vinasse, which reduces the impact during soil disposal and associated CO2 generation.

Economic Analysis of Internal Circulation Biodigesters and Vinasse Concentrators for the Generation of Electricity, Fertilizers, and Carbon Credits in Various Brazilian Economic Scenarios

Vinasse is one of the byproducts of ethanol production, where it is considered to have a high polluting capacity. However, this same byproduct can be used to produce electricity, fertilizers, and biogas from anaerobic biodigesters and vinasse concentrators. Based on the foregoing, a study on the use of vinasse is justified, guided by the following question: what is the economic feasibility of the use of the internal circulation (IC) biodigester, vinasse concentrator, and the conjugate of both in three Brazilian economic scenarios (I, fertilizers, electricity and carbon credits with minimum attractiveness rate (MAR) of 10.5% per year (p.a); II, electricity and carbon credits with MAR of 10.5% p.a; and III, electricity and carbon credits with MAR of 5% p.a and tax exemption)? The general objective is to analyze the economic feasibility of the separate use of vinasse concentrators, IC biodigesters, and the use of both together. The methodology used for the economic feasibility analysis was to calculate the net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), payback and discounted payback, which were calculated for a production range of ethanol ranging from 500 to 4000 m3/day. As a result, it can be seen that fertilizer prices are important in terms of economic feasibility. Scenarios without tax exemptions and a high MAR are feasible only with sale of fertilizer. Electricity alone will only be feasible in a scenario with a low MAR and tax exemptions. The following measures are thus necessary to enable the use of vinasse to generate electricity: a reduction in interest rates, tax exemption policies for renewable energy, legal impediments to the disposal of vinasse in the soil, and the implementation of policies to encourage the use of biogas.

Desulfurization of lignin produced by hydrolysis of wood with dilute sulfuric acid

The hydrolysis (or hydrolytic) lignin as a byproduct of ethanol production is made by the treatment of wood with a sulfuric acid solution. It contains up to 2% total sulfur. This work proposes the hydrolysis lignin desulfurization by acid–base methods. These methods are based on data on the presence of residual sulfuric acid and its reaction products (organic sulfates and sulfonates) with wood components in the hydrolytic lignin. It was found that the sodium hydroxide treatment has the best desulfurizing effect, which allowed reducing the total sulfur content to 25 ppm.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF THE PRODUCTION AND USE OF CORN OIL BIODIESEL

The present paper reviews the environmental aspects of the production and use of corn oil-based biodiesel. The environmental aspects are analyzed by considering the used-corn oily feedstocks and production technology. Besides that, the possibilities for the improvement of the biodiesel production process are emphasized. The most valuable corn-oil feedstocks are waste corn oil and corn distillers oil obtained primarily from dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). The use of DDGS, a by-product of ethanol production, for biodiesel production and glycerol, a by-product of biodiesel production, as a substrate for ethanol production, allows the development of an integrated ethanol/biodiesel production and contributes to the elimination or minimization of wastes and the production of the added-value products. Biodiesel is a degradable, less-toxic, safe, and generally, clean-burning fuel with exception of NOx emission that can be reduced by the appropriate methods but further investigations are desirable. Key words: corn oil, biodiesel, environmental aspect, ghd emission, pollution