Potential Biodiesel Feedstock Research Articles

Rational biodiesel production by screening different long-term stored plant oils via nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic measurement

Screening the raw materials for biodiesel production has normally concentrated on the triglyceride (TAG) content and fatty acid profile without considering the oxidation stability, a crucial restriction factor for commercial life of biodiesel. The traditional screening methods had complex procedures by characterizing the raw material’ and the prepared biodiesel’ properties, which was not applicable for large sets of raw materials. These factors propelled the development of a simple and efficient screening method for potential biodiesel feedstock. Herein, we compared two kinds of spectroscopic measurements, the three-dimensional fluorescence (3D-FL) and high field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), for screening special and differential raw materials by investigating 19 plant oil species with one-year storage for biodiesel production. Among these samples, 13 kinds of plant oils contained TAGs, and the other 6 were free of TAGs. The results showed that 3D-FL measurements improperly assigned citronella oil as a TAG-containing plant oil and determined limited information about their chemical composition, suggesting unsatisfactory screening performance. In contrast, 1H NMR measurements screened 3 kinds of differential oils out of those 19 plant oil species, including coconut oil (Cocos nucifera L.), cotton seed oil (Gossypium barbadense L.), palm oil (Elaeis guineensis). Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) presented that the statistically significant NMR spectral bins for their differential compositions were signals at 3.6 ppm (–OCH3), 2.31 ppm (–OCH2–COOH), 4.29 ppm (TAG skeleton), and 5.27 ppm (TAG skeleton), representing the oxidation products, unsaturated fatty acids, and TAGs. Finally, the converted methyl and ethyl esters (biodiesel) from those three differential plant oil samples were subjected to Rancimat tests. They showed quite different oxidation stabilities from Rancimat tests, which was relevant to the composition differences in the NMR analysis. Our results suggested that the rapid, simple, and reliable NMR measurement combined with HCA and PLS-DA can serve as an efficient tool for potential biodiesel feedstock screening.

Salinity-Induced Physiochemical Alterations to Enhance Lipid Content in Oleaginous Microalgae Scenedesmus sp. BHU1 via Two-Stage Cultivation for Biodiesel Feedstock.

In the recent past, various microalgae have been considered a renewable energy source for biofuel production, and their amount and extent can be enhanced by applying certain types of stress including salinity. Although microalgae growing under salinity stress result in a higher lipid content, they simultaneously reduce in growth and biomass output. To resolve this issue, the physiochemical changes in microalgae Scenedesmus sp. BHU1 have been assessed through two-stage cultivation. In stage-I, the maximum carbohydrate and lipid contents (39.55 and 34.10%) were found at a 0.4 M NaCl concentration, while in stage-II, the maximum carbohydrate and lipid contents (42.16 and 38.10%) were obtained in the 8-day-old culture. However, under increased salinity, Scenedesmus sp. BHU1 exhibited a decrease in photosynthetic attributes, including Chl-a, Chl-b, Fv/Fm, Y(II), Y(NPQ), NPQ, qP, qL, qN, and ETRmax but increased Y(NO) and carotenoids content. Apart from physiological attributes, osmoprotectants, stress biomarkers, and nonenzymatic antioxidants were also studied to elucidate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) facilitated lipid synthesis. Furthermore, elemental and mineral ion analysis of microalgal biomass was performed to evaluate the biomass quality for biofuel and cell homeostasis. Based on fluorometry analysis, we found the maximum neutral lipids in the 8-day-old grown culture at stage-II in Scenedesmus sp. BHU1. Furthermore, the use of Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy analyses confirmed the presence of higher levels of hydrocarbons and triacylglycerides (TAGs) composed of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) in the 8-day-old culture. Therefore, Scenedesmus sp. BHU1 can be a promising microalga for potential biodiesel feedstock.

Biodiesel from Biomass Waste Feedstock Prosopis Juliflora as a Fuel Substitute for Diesel and Enhancement of Its Usability in Diesel Engines Using Decanol

Biomass‐based biofuel production is a promising solution to the decline of fossil fuels. Prosopis juliflora seed‐derived vegetable oil, known as Prosopis juliflora methyl ester (JFME), offers a potential feedstock for biodiesel. To enhance its properties, the addition of Decanol is investigated, a higher‐order alcohol similar to Diesel. Experiments are conducted on a 5.2 kW compression ignition (CI) engine using JFME blended with different decanol concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%). Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis confirm its compliance with fuel standards. The findings reveal that the 20% decanol blend (D20) achieves a brake thermal efficiency of 29.9% at full load, with reduced NO, smoke, and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions compared to diesel. D20 shows NO emissions of 1265 ppm, smoke opacity of 53%, and HC emissions of 69 ppm, while diesel records 1320 ppm, 69%, and 75 ppm, respectively. The CO emissions for D20 are 0.359 vol%, slightly higher due to decanol's higher latent heat of evaporation. Moreover, D20 exhibits improved combustion with a higher mass fraction burnt and faster heat release rates. These results indicate the potential of using JFME blended with 20% decanol as an alternative fuel for CI engines, offering higher performance and reduced emissions.

Lipids and high-value astaxanthin produced in a cupboard by heterotrophic Chromochloris zofingiensis: Improvement of process efficiency

Cultivation of microalgae with high lipid content continues to be pursued as a potential biodiesel feedstock. Processing of microalgae biomass is not sufficiently cost-efficient to allow for wide-scale implementation. Efficient, low-cost processing strategies must be developed. In this study, heterotrophic metabolism was combined with attached cultivation for co-production of lipids and astaxanthin to simplify processing, improve efficiency, and mitigate cost. Microalgae were cultivated on agar media surface so that culture was distributed homogeneously with high solid content (40 %) and harvesting was possible with little manual effort. Operational parameters – initial glucose, inoculation ratio, cultivation time and temperature, and dry vs. wet extraction – were tested and optimized to maximize lipid production. Accordingly, room temperature incubation for 30 days in a dark cupboard with 40 g/L initial glucose, 4 % inoculum, and wet extraction of the harvested biomass yielded 8.2 g/L lipids and 6.5 mg/L astaxanthin. Many advantages are observed with agar-attached cultivation of microalgae, including no energy input required to support the incubation term, simple and manual harvesting of cells, and no dewatering or drying needed for the extraction of biomass. Based on the benefits when compared to traditional suspended or attached cultivation, agar-attached growth for lipids and astaxanthin co-production has the potential to greatly improve the process efficiency and thus, feasibility, of using microalgae as an alternative fuel source.

Economic Viability and Engine Performance Evaluation of Biodiesel Derived from Desert Palm Date Seeds

Desert palm date seeds are a potential feedstock for biodiesel and biomass pellet production, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. A model was developed in this study based on optimal conditions for the production of biodiesel, and it was used to evaluate the financial viability of a small-scale biodiesel plant (1000 t/y) using economic performance metrics including net present value, rate of investment, and payback period. Biodiesel was then produced from date seed oil (DSO) and blended with petrol diesel to make four blends (B5, B10, B15, and B20). The technical performance of these blends was investigated using a test engine rig under differing operating conditions, including variations in load and rpm. The investment performance of the proposed biodiesel plant was very sensitive to the price of biomass pellets; the project was feasible only when this was 70% that of wood pellets or higher. The baseline diesel outperformed the biodiesel blends in terms of engine power, thermal efficiency, and fuel economy, with average decreases of 4.5%, 7.65%, and 9.84%, respectively, at full load for B20. However, the biodiesel blends outperformed the baseline diesel in exhaust gas temperature (EGT), with average drops of 29 and 46.7 °C at full load for B5 and B20, respectively. Our study clearly demonstrates that due to it being obtained from existing waste materials, having a cleaner but comparable performance, and its economic viability, date seed oil has excellent potential as a feedstock for biodiesel production.

Genome sequencing and analysis uncover the regulatory elements involved in the development and oil biosynthesis of Pongamia pinnata (L.) - A potential biodiesel feedstock.

Due to rapid industrialization, the consumption of petro-products has increased, while fossil fuel resources have been gradually depleted. There has been a resurgence of interest in plant-derived biofuels as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels for the purpose of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Pongamia pinnata L., which is also known as Millettia pinnata is an oil-yielding, leguminous tree with a large and complex genome. Despite its multiple industrial applications, this orphan tree species has inconsistent yields and a limited understanding of its functional genomics. We assessed physiological and morphological characteristics of five high-yielding pongamia accessions and deduced important yield descriptors. Furthermore, we sequenced the genome of this potential biofuel feedstock using Illumina HiSeq, NextSeq, and MiSeq platforms to generate paired-end reads. Around 173 million processed reads amounting to 65.2 Gb were assembled into a 685 Mb genome, with a gap rate of 0.02%. The sequenced scaffolds were used to identify 30,000 gene models, 406,385 Simple-Sequence-Repeat (SSR) markers, and 43.6% of repetitive sequences. We further analyzed the structural information of genes belonging to certain key metabolic pathways, including lipid metabolism, photosynthesis, circadian rhythms, plant-pathogen interactions, and karanjin biosynthesis, all of which are commercially significant for pongamia. A total of 2,219 scaffolds corresponding to 29 transcription factor families provided valuable information about gene regulation in pongamia. Similarity studies and phylogenetic analysis revealed a monophyletic group of Fabaceae members wherein pongamia out-grouped from Glycine max and Cajanus cajan, revealing its unique ability to synthesize oil for biodiesel. This study is the first step toward completing the genome sequence of this imminent biofuel tree species. Further attempts at re-sequencing with different read chemistry will certainly improve the genetic resources at the chromosome level and accelerate the molecular breeding programs.

Comparative Life-Cycle assessment of microalgal biomass production in conventional growth media versus newly developed nanoemulsion media

Microalgae biomass is a potential feedstock for biodiesel, animal feed, biofertilizer, and other products such as bioactive compounds. Most of the reported studies describe microalgae as a green process, however, the impacts associated with its growth media and cultivation have seldom been studied. With an aim to analyze the environmental impacts, the present study compares the life-cycle assessment of microalgal cultivation in two growth media. The data used was obtained from the experimental sets where microalgaeC. pyrenoidosawas cultivated in BG11 (control or SC-1) and silicone oil nanoemulsion (previously developed medium or SC-2) on a lab scale. The environmental impacts were evaluated using the ReCiPe midpoint and endpoint method using Sima Pro 9.0 software based on a “cradle-to-gate” approach. The total environmental score for 1 kg microalgal biomass production was 99.25Pt in SC-1, and 53.39Ptin SC-2, concluding greater environmental burden by SC-1. The photobioreactor construction material along with the operation led to maximum emissions, human toxicity, and resource depletion. In summary, the newly developed nanoemulsion medium was found to be eco-friendly that has the potential to minimize the usage of conventional nutrients and resources.

Extraction and Characterisation of Musa balbiasana cv. Saba Peel Oil

In this study, Musa balbiasana cv. Saba peel oil and cooking oil were characterised for physicochemical characteristics and compared for potential biodiesel feedstocks. Chemical characterisation showed that Musa balbiasana cv. Saba peel oil was slightly more acidic compared to cooking oil, which were pH 5.23 and 6.06, respectively. The acid value of Musa balbiasana cv. Saba peel oil was lower than cooking oil, which were 0.64 mg/KOH and 0.74 mg/KOH, respectively. Free fatty acid analysis indicated that cooking oil has a higher value (0.37%) than Musa balbiasana cv. Saba peel oil (0.32%). In addition, the saponification value for Musa balbiasana cv. Saba peel oil was slightly lower compared to cooking oil, which were 74.09 (mg KOH/g oil) and 74.60 (mg KOH/g oil), respectively. The functional groups of both feedstocks were analysed using FT-IR to determine the -C=O stretching of methyl ester, -C-H stretch, -CH2 bend, and -CH3 bend asymmetric. The feedstocks were further analysed using GC-MS to detect the presence of the ester group. It was found that Musa balbiasana cv. Saba peel oil contained a higher ester group compared to cooking oil.  

Community knowledge, perceptions and use of seed-oil plants: The case of Letlhakeng, Kubung and Mahetwe villages in Kweneng District. Botswana

The world over, there has been increasing concern over the use of fossil fuels due to their finite availability, increasing prices and negative environmental impacts. The aim of the study was to determine the potential socio economic impacts of locally available or indigenous oil seed plants as biodiesel feedstocks. A household survey and a focussed group discussion were conducted in village of Letlhakeng and two settlements (Mahetlwe and Kubung), respectively, in Kweneng district in Botswana, to study residents’ knowledge, perceptions, use of and willingness to grow local seed-oil plants which could support biodiesel production: A number of indigenous oil seed plants, including Ochna pulchra, Pappea capensis, Ximenia caffra, Ziziphus mucronata, Mimusops zeyheri and Bauhinia petersiana were identified as potential biodiesel feedstocks. The reported seed-oil plants were generally perceived to be abundant where they grow. Generally, respondents expressed a willingness to commercially gather the seed-oil plants as well as grow the plants in own farms or in marginal land under community based natural resources management (CBNRM) arrangement to supply biodiesel production. The willingness stemmed from the perceived socio-economic and environmental benefits that include employment creation, diversification of income sources, enhanced resource value and conservation and sustainable use of resources.

Preliminary evaluation of the green microalga Dunaliella salina as a potential feedstock for biodiesel: effect of molasses on growth and lipid profile

This research aims to evaluate the effect of molasses as a source of organic carbon on the growth and lipid profile of Dunaliella salina cultivated under different light regimes to determine its strategy and potential use to produce biodiesel. Two sources of nutrients (F/2 medium, F/2; molasses, M) and two light conditions (12 h light: 12 h darkness, 12L:12D) conformed four treatments (F/2 12L:12D, F/2 D, M 12L:12D, and MD) that were investigated with three replicates each. The concentration of microalgae produced by the groups under light conditions was more than double that of those grown in darkness. The highest biomass produced (46.91 ± 6.47 g L -1 ) was obtained in the F/2 medium with 12L:12D treatment, while the lowest (18.99 ± 0.78 g L -1 ) was in the M 12L:12D group. Regardless of the culture conditions, the lipids were mainly composed of the C16:0 and C18 fatty acids. The use of molasses as a culture medium produced the highest amount of C18:1, regardless of the light regime. Molasses promoted the highest production of fatty acids methyl esters. Depending on the culture medium, D. salina cells showed different percentages of saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MFA), and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids. The highest amount of saturated fatty acids was obtained in F/2 12L:12D. The highest amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids was presented in the mixotrophic culture (molasses and light). The cultures grown with molasses were rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. An inexpensive industrial by-product, Cane molasses could be a low-cost feedstock for biodiesel in cultivating D. salina .

Microscopic techniques for characterization and authentication of oil-yielding seeds.

Investigation of alternative energy sources is need of current time due to growing power crisis and associated environmental issues. Biodiesel is considered as sustainable power source and promising alternative to fossil fuels. Therefore, our current investigation aimed to identify micromorphological characters of 10 novel nonedible oil-yielding seeds through scanning electron microscopy. It was revealed from light microscopic study that there is variation in seed size from 3 to 15 mm in length and 2 to 11 mm in width. Likewise, a huge variation in color was observed such as light green, greenish yellow, blackish brown, and various shades of brown. Presence and absence of Hilum was observed, and compression of seeds varied from depressed, lateral, and dorsoventral. Seed's shape differs from ovate, clavate, triangular ovate, cuneiform, ovoid, and elliptical shape. Seed oil content fall in range of 18-58% (wt/wt). Free fatty acid content of the seeds varies from 0.3 to 3.1mg KOH/g. Ultrastructure of seeds exhibited huge variation in shape, size, periclinal wall, anticlinal wall, and surface ornamentation. Nonedible seeds varied in wall structure from angular, wavy, dentate entire, irregular, puzzled, elongated, even, and polygonal. The periclinal wall arrangements show alteration from flat, looped, raised, depressed, lofty, even, pentagonal, polygonal, and undulate seed margins. Outcomes of this investigation recommended that scanning electron microscopy could act as a helpful tool in disclosing the hidden micromorphological characters among nonedible oil-yielding seeds and subsequently helping in correct, authentic seed identification and classification as potential feedstock for biodiesel.

Implication of scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy for oil content determination and seed morphology of Verbenaceae.

Due to increase in energy catastrophe and accompanying environmental issues, the search for renewable and alternative energy resources is a fiercely disputed problem in the scientific world. Biodiesel has proven to be the finest sustainable alternative to gasoline. Because of their environment-friendly character and cost-effectiveness, nonedible oil-bearing seeds could be the possible resource for biodiesel production. Therefore, the present study uses scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate and identify micromorphological features of six novel, nonedible oil-bearing seeds of Verbenaceae as potential biodiesel feed stocks. Selected seeds of Verbenaceae range in size from 1 to 5 mm in width and 1.8 to 6.4 mm in length, according to light microscopic studies. The oil content of seeds ranges from14 to 19%. Seed texture, color, shape, size, periclinal and anticlinal wall patterns, and cell outline are all more variable in SEM-mediated seed ultrastructure analyses. The findings of this work imply that SEM could be a useful method for revealing hidden micromorphological features in a variety of nonedible oil-producing seeds, which could aid to future investigation, proper identification, seed categorization, and authenticity. These seeds were hard to be identified by the native people due to their resemblance in seed color and shape, so there is a need to give a detailed description of seed characters for proper identification of these plants. This work will determine the new features of the seeds, which will be helpful in near future.

Preparation of Biodiesel from Hibiscus sabdariffa Seeds Oil using Calcium Oxide Catalyst from Waste Egg Shells


 
 
 The aim of this study is to optimize the transesterification process for conversion of Hibiscus sabdariffa seed oils (HSO) into biodiesel. Conversion of HSO into biodiesel were obtained at optimum parameters of methanol to oil ratio 6:1, temperature 67.5oC, 1% calcium oxide (CaO) catalyst derived from waste egg shells and agitation speed of 750 rpm. The yield achieved was 95.01%. The results showed that all of the fuel properties such as kinematic viscosity 4.55 mm2/s acid value 0.027 mg KOH/g, cloud point 3oC, pour point 1oC, flash point 161oC, cetane index 49 min and density 856 kg/m3 of the Hibiscus sabdariffa methyl esters (HSME), are in compliance within the range of ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 standard specifications except for oxidation stability which was at 3.48 hours. The results suggested that Hibiscus sabdariffa seed oil could be a potential feedstock for biodiesel.
 
 

Indoor mass cultivation of marine diatoms for biodiesel production using induction plasma synthesized nanosilica

In this work, two benthic marine diatoms Chaetoceros sp. and Thalassiosira sp. were grown in modified f/2 medium in which normal silica was replaced with inductively coupled plasma (ICP) nanosilica for indoor mass cultivation and its impact on growth, lipid content, lipid quality and metabolite production were monitored. Results indicate thatunder mass cultivation using ICP nano silica medium, Thalassiosirasp. reached 3.6 and Chaetoceros sp. reached 3.2-fold higher cell density compared to normal Si medium. The primary metabolite production and total lipid content was higher in Chaetoceros sp. (44.33 ± 2.51% DCW) compared to Thalassiosira sp. (29.66 ± 1.52% DCW). In mass cultivation, ICP synthesized nanosilica powder was effective in enhancing the cell density, production of metabolites, pigments, and lipids in the marine diatoms studied. This is the first report on the use of ICP nanosilica in carrying out indoor mass cultivation of marine diatom isolates as potential biodiesel and biomolecule feedstocks.

Recent Progress in Solar-Induced Direct Biomass-to-Electricity Hybrid Fuel Cell Using Microalgae as Feedstocks

Microalgae, as potential biodiesel feedstocks, have been widely reported to accumulate oil via genetic engineering techniques, or environmental stress regulation. Recently, the utilization of fuel cell technology to convert biomass into electricity has attracted much more attention due to its high efficiency, low pollution, low noise by microalgae as feedstocks. Normally, platinum and analogous noble metals as catalysts have been already demonstrated although they still exist lots of shortcomings. This mini review presents an overview of various fuel cell technologies with phosphomolybdic acid as catalysts for sustainable energy by using microalgae. Trends from literatures demonstrate that algal-based fuel cells could efficiently generate electricity, and concurrently produce high value-added products. This critical review can provide guiding suggestions for future study of algal-based energy conversion by fuel cell techniques.

A review on non-edible oil as a potential feedstock for biodiesel: physicochemical properties and production technologies.

There is increasing concern regarding alleviating world energy demand by determining an alternative to petroleum-derived fuels due to the rapid depletion of fossil fuels, rapid population growth, and urbanization. Biodiesel can be utilized as an alternative fuel to petroleum-derived diesel for the combustion engine. At present, edible crops are the primary source of biodiesel production. However, the excessive utilization of these edible crops for large-scale biodiesel production might cause food supply depletion and economic imbalance. Moreover, the utilization of edible oil as a biodiesel feedstock increases biodiesel production costs due to the high price of edible oils. A possible solution to overcome the existing limitations of biodiesel production is to utilize non-edible crops oil as a feedstock. The present study was conducted to determine the possibility and challenges of utilizing non-edible oil as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production. Several aspects related to non-edible oil as a biodiesel feedstock such as overview of biodiesel feedstocks, non-edible oil resources, non-edible oil extraction technology, its physicochemical and fatty acid properties, biodiesel production technologies, advantages and limitation of using non-edible oil as a feedstock for biodiesel production have been reviewed in various recent publications. The finding of the present study reveals that there is a huge opportunity to utilize non-edible oil as a feedstock for biodiesel production.

Evaluation of the variability of citrullus colocynthis (l) schrad as potential biodiesel feedstock: oil content, oil yield and the fatty acid composition

Citrullus colocynthis has been garnering interest in recent times as a potential biodiesel feed stockcrop due to its high seed oil content and its natural adaptation to drought The variability seed oil content (OC), Oil yield (kg/ha) (OY) and fatty acid composition were investigated for 12 accessions collected in different localities in Morocco. Analysis of the data revealed high variability among the accessions, with seed oil content ranging between 17.1 and 24.3 % of seed weight and Oil yield from 35.3 to 172.7 kg/ha. The predominant fatty acid of the seed oil was linoleic acid, C18:2, ranging from 67.0 to 73.0 % of total fatty acids and the average values of unsaturated fatty acids vary between 75.25 and 81.94 %.The wide range of variations found in this study for the traits measured offers the possibility of genetic improvement to develop cultivars for biodiesel production compatible with sustainable and ecological agriculture.

Evaluation of Potential Biodiesel Feedstocks: Camelina, Turnip Rape, Oil Radish and Tyfon

Background: One of the most promising alternative biofuels, competitive with regular petrol, diesel or jet fuel is biodiesel, especially derived from plant oils. Until now, various technological approaches, as well as oil sources, have been proposed for biodiesel production, but an industrially scalable technology with high end-product quality and production efficiency has not been developed and brought to the market yet. Biodiesel is produced in Europe and North America mainly from rapeseed, or canola, sunflower and soybean oil. However, other underutilized plant species could also be considered as potential oil feedstocks for biodiesel. The great perspective holds Brassicaceae family, especially such species as false flax (Camelina sativa) and Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata), but many other Brassicaceae crops are still out of sight. Objectives: This research has been conducted aiming to identify and compare the productivity of several Brassicaceae crops (camelina or false flax (C. sativa), turnip rape (B. campestris), oil radish (Raphanus sativus var. oleifera) and tyfon (B. rapa ssp. oleifera f. biennis × (ssp. rapifera × ssp. pekinensis)), that are suitable for biodiesel production under conditions of temperate climate regions (Northern America, Europe); and to obtain biodiesel by transesterification of fatty acids present on these species using bioethanol. Methods and Materials: Seed oil content, yield and fatty acid profiles have been studied and analysed in different genotypes of C. sativa (10), winter (6) and spring (4) B. campestris, R. sativus var. oleifera (8) and tyfon (5). The most productive crops have been identified: false flax variety ‘Evro-12’ (1620 kg of oil per hectare) and ‘Peremoha’ (1657 kg/ha); winter turnip rape variety ‘Oriana’ (1373 kg/ha), oil radish variety ‘Kyianochka’ (1445 kg/ha) and tyfon varieties ‘Fitopal’ (1730 kg/ha) and ‘Obriy’ (1860 kg/ha). According to chromatographic analysis results, oils of winter turnip rape and tyfon contain high levels (38-42,8%) of erucic (22:1) acid, while oils from spring turnip rape, false flax and oil radish possess high amounts of short-chained fatty acids (not longer than C18) – up to 85,37% in camelina breeding line FEORZhYaFD. Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) were produced from oil of best genotypes and proved to comply with all main quality requirements for diesel. Results: Moreover, a new solvent-based technology of high-yield (up to 96%) FAEE production, has been firstly proposed for C. sativa oil conversion. Conclusion: Best genotypes that can be used as a plant oil source for biodiesel production have been identified for camelina, turnip rape, oil radish and tyfon species. The data obtained on seed oil content, yield and fatty acid profiles suggested that they are: false flax – breeding form FEORZhYaFD; winter turnip rape - variety ‘Oriana’; oil radish - variety ‘Rayduha’ and tyfon hybrid - variety ‘Fitopal’. Biodiesel samples obtained from these plants fit the Ukrainian standards for diesel fuel and can be used in car engines. The proposed new technological approach to produce fatty acid ethyl esters allows to reduce reaction time and to increase esters yield and quality.

Exogenous l-proline improved Rhodosporidium toruloides lipid production on crude glycerol

BackgroundCrude glycerol as a promising feedstock for microbial lipid production contains several impurities that make it toxic stress inducer at high amount. Under stress conditions, microorganisms can accumulate l-proline as a safeguard. Herein, l-proline was assessed as an anti-stress agent in crude glycerol media.ResultsCrude glycerol was converted to microbial lipids by the oleaginous yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides CGMCC 2.1389 in a two-staged culture mode. The media was supplied with exogenous l-proline to improve lipid production efficiency in high crude glycerol stress. An optimal amount of 0.5 g/L l-proline increased lipid titer and lipid yield by 34% and 28%, respectively. The lipid titer of 12.2 g/L and lipid content of 64.5% with a highest lipid yield of 0.26 g/g were achieved with l-proline addition, which were far higher than those of the control, i.e., lipid titer of 9.1 g/L, lipid content of 58% and lipid yield of 0.21 g/g. Similarly, l-proline also improved cell growth and glycerol consumption. Moreover, fatty acid compositional profiles of the lipid products was found suitable as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production.ConclusionOur study suggested that exogenous l-proline improved cell growth and lipid production on crude glycerol by R. toruloides. The fact that higher lipid yield as well as glycerol consumption indicated that l-proline might act as a potential anti-stress agent for the oleaginous yeast strain.

A one-pot synthesis of biodiesel from leather tanning waste using supercritical ethanol: Process optimization

Due to its substantial lipid content, leather tanning waste (LTW) is regarded as a potential feedstock for the waste-derived biodiesel. To promote the valorization of LTW, one-pot synthesis of biodiesel via supercritical ethanol method was investigated. The influence of the three independent reaction variables, namely reaction time t (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 min), temperature T (300, 350, 400 °C) and ethanol to LTW molar ratio reo (35, 40, 45), on the yield of fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE) YF was studied. The multilevel factorial design combined with the response surface methodology and three-way analysis of variance was employed to design and optimize the experiment in regards to the three independent variables. Based on the optimization results, the highest FAEE yield was predicted at 99.68% when t = 47.4 min, T = 374.6 °C, and reo = 40.02. The actual FAEE yield was experimentally obtained at 98.91 ± 0.31% using the optimized reaction conditions. A deviation of 0.77% in the experimental verification shows a satisfactory agreement between the actual and predicted YF. All reaction variables were also found to give a significant effect on the yield of FAEE.