Production and characterization of biodiesel from the seed oil of tropical lesser-used tree species

Abstract

This study focused on production of biodiesel from oils extracted with different solvents (hexane, ethanol and 1:1 hexane: ethanol) from seeds of a lesser-used tree species, named: Kariya (Hildegardia barteri), through trans-esterification. The aim was to determine the effect of solvents on the quality of products. Yields of seed oil was obtained; Fatty acid profile was analysed using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (GCMS) and some physicochemical properties of biodiesel samples were analysed to ascertain fuel quality. Experimental
investigation showed that the highest refined oil (23.84%) and biodiesel yields (74.7%) were obtained from solvent blend extract. GC-MS analysis attests those profiles of fatty acids obtained for the different oil samples differs by reason of solvents used. Fatty acids present in all samples were Palmitic, oleic, linoleic and stearic acids. Values of molecular weights of kariya oil samples (801-815 g/mol) is one of the findings of this study. For most of the physicochemical properties analysed, values fell within standard range and confirm the
suitability of H.barteri seed oil as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production.