Search Results (27)

This work shows a proposal for reducing emissions, fuel costs, and respiratory disease hospitalizations using environmental cost accounting principles for the production of biodiesel production from waste frying oil (WFO). PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and O₃ data from 2017 to 2022 were collected and correlated with the number of hospitalizations for respiratory diseases and their costs. WFO samples were collected locally from households and restaurants in the greater ABC region, Brazil, and biodiesel was produced using the samples. The results showed that throughout the studied period, one or more of the polluting gases showed a strong correlation with hospitalizations due to respiratory diseases, corroborating what has already been verified by other studies carried out by the WHO. WFO biodiesel was within the standard limits, and the total annual production was estimated to be 30,435 m³; moreover, the associated annual carbon credits would equal 67 tCO₂, as well as a decrease of 30% in total pollutant emissions. Environmental cost accounting revealed that the annual number of respiratory disease hospitalizations could decrease by 3093 and the associated healthcare cost would decrease by USD 838 thousand per year; moreover, the sale of biodiesel and byproducts can generate an annual profit of USD 19 million. The biodiesel plant project had an NPV of USD 172.5 million, a payback of 1 month, and a return on investment of more than 170 times the initial financing. In addition, the reputation and the quality of life of the greater ABC region’s residents could improve. Full article

This study analyzes the elemental and oxide compositions of three selected agricultural residues—Dried Pawpaw Leaves (DPL), Kola Nut Pod (KNP), and Sweet Orange Peel (SOP)—for their potential as heterogeneous catalysts. Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis identified calcium (25%) and potassium (29%) as the primary elements in DPL and KNP, with calcium oxide (CaO) and potassium oxide (K₂O) as the dominant oxides. SOP had a similar composition but lacked vanadium. Calcined residues were analyzed at temperatures ranging from 500 °C to 900 °C using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), revealing stable silicon dioxide (SiO₂) content and temperature-dependent variations in CaO and K₂O, indicating their catalytic potential for transesterification processes. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed non-uniform, spongy microstructures, enhancing the surface area and catalytic efficiency. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) identified functional groups essential for catalytic activity, such as hydroxyls, methyl, and carboxyl. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) confirmed the presence of crystalline phases like calcium carbonate and calcium oxide, crucial for catalytic performance. Experimental biodiesel production using a mixture of the calcined residues (33.33% each of KNPA, SOPA, and DPLA) resulted in the highest biodiesel yield at 65.3%. Model summary statistics, including R² (0.9824) values and standard deviations (0.0026), validated the experimental design, indicating high precision and prediction accuracy. These results suggest that the selected agricultural residues, when calcined and mixed properly, can serve as effective heterogeneous catalysts, with significant implications for biodiesel production, supporting previous research on the importance of calcium in catalytic processes. Full article

Biodiesel, an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fossil fuels, offers reduced emissions like carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, and soot. This study explores biodiesel production from a blend of waste oils using a novel biomass-based catalyst derived from the bottom ash of a biomass boiler. Catalyst synthesis involved wet impregnation, a unique approach using previously unreported bottom ash. Characterization via SEM-EDS, BET, FTIR, and XRD revealed its composition and structure. Optimization of biodiesel production involved assessing alcohol molar ratio, catalyst concentration, and reaction time, achieving a maximum FAME concentration of 95% under specific conditions. Blending residual palm oil with waste frying oil enhanced biodiesel properties, demonstrating a maximum FAME concentration at specific catalyst concentration (8%), molar ratio (1:10), and reaction time (2 h). Catalyst reusability, up to three cycles without significant yield variation, showcased its sustainability. The catalyst, primarily composed of calcium, a characteristic biomass bottom ash component, exhibited mesoporous features. Impregnation with eggshells not only altered composition but also ensured a uniform particle size distribution. FTIR and XRD analyses indicated calcium in hydroxide and crystallized forms. Effective catalyst separation methods included decanting or water washing, with optimal biodiesel purity achieved through 3% phosphoric acid washing at 60 °C. Various recovery methods were assessed, highlighting hexane washing as the most efficient, enabling up to three catalyst reuse cycles without substantial efficiency loss. Full article

The imperative of utilising alternative fuels for the operation of internal combustion engines stems from the requirements to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases and other contaminants, the substantial demand for fuels, and the diminishing reserves of natural resources. The global inclination towards sustainable development necessitates the employment of biofuels as a substitute for fossil fuels. Nonetheless, the expenditures on raw materials for the manufacture of biodiesel remain substantial, thus underlining the importance of exploring solutions for reducing them. An instance of this could be the utilisation of plant and animal by-products, such as used frying oils and slaughterhouse waste, as feedstock for biodiesel production. Not only will this facilitate the creation of less costly biofuel, but it will also provide an effective solution for the management of post-production waste. The objective of the research delineated in this paper was to ascertain select physicochemical attributes of second-generation biodiesel, derived from spent frying oil, as well as mixtures of this biodiesel with diesel and biodiesel concentrations of 10, 20, and 30% (v/v). The biodiesel produced is the waste frying oil methyl esters WFOME. The proprietary GW-201 reactor was employed in the production of biodiesel. For WFOME biodiesel, DF diesel, and their blends—B10, B20, and B30—properties that influence the formation process of the combustible mixture, autoignition, and combustion of fuel–air mixtures in self-ignition engines were determined. The conducted research has established that “B” type fuels prepared from WFOME and DF present a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Pure biodiesel exhibited a marginally reduced lower heating value, however, in the case of fuel mixtures comprising up to 30% (v/v) biodiesel and diesel, the lower heating values approximated that of diesel. An elevated cetane number alongside an increased flash point of pure B100 biodiesel have been noted. The values of cetane number for WFOME and DF mixtures were found to be either comparable or marginally higher than those of pure DF diesel fuel. Full article

Biodiesel manufacturing frequently employs sustainable materials like soybeans, microorganisms, palm extract, jatropha plant, and recycled frying oils. The expansion of biodiesel manufacturing has escalated the volume of waste byproducts, encompassing glycerin and non-glycerin organic matter (MONG), jointly known as raw glycerin. MONG is characterized by a low calorific value, a high autoignition temperature, and significant viscosity at room temperature. As a waste product, it negatively affects the natural environment due to the lack of viable disposal methods. Hence, there is a need for its conversion into high-calorific gaseous fuel with significantly less environmental impact. One of the methods for converting MONG into gaseous fuel is the pyrolysis process. This study describes the pyrolytic conversion of MONG conducted on a test stand consisting of a rotating chamber with a shell filled with liquid lead as a heating medium. Based on the measurements and balance calculations, the amount of heat required to preserve the autothermal process was determined. The calorific value and composition of the pyrolytic gas were measured, revealing that 70% of the gas involves compounds characterized by a high calorific value. As a result, the calorific value of dry, purified gas equals 35.07 MJ/kg. A life cycle assessment has been conducted, in order to determine if the produced gaseous fuel matches sustainable development criteria. MONG-based gas is a sustainable replacement of, e.g., natural gas, lignite, or hard coal; however, it allows us to avoid 233–416 kg/h CO₂ emissions per 1 MW_t of heat. Full article

Biodiesel from waste frying oil was produced via methanolysis using biochar-based catalysts prepared by carbonizing banana peels (350 °C and 400 °C) mixed with 20% (wt.) of alkali carbonates (Na, Li, or K). The catalysts exhibited a bi-functional character: acidic and basic. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the alkali’s role in char graphitization, influencing morphology and oxygen content. Oxygenated surface sites acted as acidic sites for free fatty acid esterification, while alkali sites facilitated triglyceride transesterification. The best catalyst obtained by carbonization at 350 °C, without alkali modifier, led to 97.5% FAME by processing a waste frying oil with 1.2 mg _KOH/g _oil acidity. Most of the studied catalysts yielded high-quality glycerin, allowing the significance of homogenous catalyzed processes to be discarded. Full article

Diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) contribute to air pollution exposure-related adverse health impacts. Here, we examined in vitro, and in vivo toxicities of DEPs from a Caterpillar C11 heavy-duty diesel engine emissions using ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) and biodiesel blends (20% v/v) of canola (B20C), soy (B20S), or tallow–waste fry oil (B20T) in ULSD. The in vitro effects of DEPs (DEP_ULSD, DEP_B20C, DEP_B20S, and DEP_B20T) in exposed mouse monocyte/macrophage cells (J774A.1) were examined by analyzing the cellular cytotoxicity endpoints (CTB, LDH, and ATP) and secreted proteins. The in vivo effects were assessed in BALB/c mice (n = 6/group) exposed to DEPs (250 µg), carbon black (CB), or saline via intratracheal instillation 24 h post-exposure. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell counts, cytokines, lung/heart mRNA, and plasma markers were examined. In vitro cytotoxic potencies (e.g., ATP) and secreted TNF-α were positively correlated (p < 0.05) with in vivo inflammatory potency (BALF cytokines, lung/heart mRNA, and plasma markers). Overall, DEP_ULSD and DEP_B20C appeared to be more potent compared to DEP_B20S and DEP_B20T. These findings suggested that biodiesel blend-derived DEP potencies can be influenced by biodiesel sources, and inflammatory process- was one of the potential underlying toxicity mechanisms. These observations were consistent across in vitro and in vivo exposures, and this work adds value to the health risk analysis of cleaner fuel alternatives. Full article

It is important to reduce the negative environmental effects of non-road diesel engines, which are increasingly used in many facilities and machines, without loss of performance. Biodiesel is used as an alternative to fossil-based diesel fuels to eliminate these effects and ensure sustainability in energy. This study focused on the optimization of the operating parameters of a non-road diesel engine operating with a waste frying oil biodiesel mixture at 50% load. Pure biodiesel, 1-heptanol, different injection advances and pressures were determined as input parameters for optimization. The tests were designed according to Taguchi’s L16 orthogonal array. ANOVA analysis was performed to determine the importance of input parameters on engine performance and exhaust emissions. Optimization was made based on the highest brake thermal efficiency (BTE) in addition to the lowest values of brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC), brake-specific hydrocarbon (BSHC), brake-specific nitrogen oxide (BSNOx) and smoke emissions. In the optimization carried out according to the response surface methodology (RSM), the optimum combinations to obtain the best engine characteristics were determined as 17.27% 1-heptanol, a 226-bar injection pressure, 27 CAD injection advance and B75. These optimization results were verified by engine experiments within the recommended error range. Full article

The results of an experimental study of nitrogen oxide (NO) and particulate matter (PM) concentrations in the exhaust gas of a compression-ignition engine used in agricultural tractors and other commercial vehicles are presented. The engine was fueled with second-generation biodiesel obtained from used frying oils (classified as waste) and first-generation biodiesel produced from rapeseed oil as well as, comparatively, diesel fuel. Tests were conducted on a dynamometer bench at a variable load and a variable engine speed. The levels of PM and NO emissions in the exhaust gas were determined. The study showed significant environmental benefits of using first- and second-generation biodiesel to power the engine due to the level of PM emissions. The PM content, when burning ester biofuel compared to diesel fuel, was reduced by 45–70% on average under the speed and load conditions implemented. As for the concentration of nitrogen oxide in the exhaust gas, no clear trend of change was shown for the biodiesel in relation to the diesel fuel. The level of NO emissions in the range of full-power characteristics was found to be lower for both tested biofuels compared to diesel fuel at lower engine speeds by an average of 7–8%, while in the range of a higher rotation speed, the NO content in the exhaust gases was higher for the tested biofuels compared to diesel oil by an average of 4–5%. The realized engine performance tests, moreover, showed an unfavorable effect of the biodiesel on the engine energy parameters. In the case of biofuels, this was by more than 4% compared to diesel fuel. Full article

The demand for biodiesel worldwide is skyrocketing as the need to replace fossil diesel with renewable energy sources becomes increasingly pressing. In this context, biocatalysis is emerging as an environmentally friendly and highly efficient alternative to chemical catalysis. When combined with the utilization of waste materials, it has the potential to make the process of biodiesel production sustainable. In the study, the potential of an extract rich in lipase produced by an Amazonian endophytic fungus as a biocatalyst in the transesterification of waste cooking oil for biodiesel production has been systematically investigated. The fungus Endomelanconiopsis endophytica exhibited an enzyme production of 11,262 U/mL after 120 h of cultivation. The lipolytic extract demonstrated its highest catalytic activity at 40 °C and a pH of 5.5. Using soybean oil and frying residue as raw materials, biodiesel was produced through biocatalytic transesterification, and yields of 91% and 89% (wt.), respectively, were achieved. By evaluating the process parameters, a maximum biodiesel yield of 90% was achieved using ethanol at a ratio of 3:1 ratio within 120 min. The experimental results demonstrate the feasibility and sustainability of applying a fungal enzymatic extract as a biocatalyst in the production of ethyl esters using waste cooking oil as a raw material. Full article

Biodiesel has gained wide acceptance as an alternative to petroleum-derived fuel due to its environmentally friendly characteristics such as low aromatic and sulfur content, biodegradability and low exhaust gas emission. Although many types of feedstock could be used to produce biodiesel, waste cooking or frying oil (WCO) is a promising multiple-advantage solution. However, the use of WCO biodiesel has some drawbacks: the high viscosity and the low volatility create difficulties in atomization and in fuel–air mixing. Experiments were performed to investigate the potential employment of aviation fuels in blends with biodiesel obtained from WCO, renewable diesel and petrol diesel. The objective of the research was to evaluate Jet A’s potential to improve the blend properties, thus helping to overcome the difficulties in biodiesel usage, enabling the percentage of renewable fuel in the blend to be increased and therefore allowing a reduction in the engine’s environmental impact. The experimental activity was carried out on a small-displacement, common rail diesel engine; during the tests, the engine control unit settings were unchanged, with the aim of reproducing the engine behavior when it operated with different fuels. Full article

Energy is primarily obtained from fossil fuels and with the use of fossil fuels, we are increasing the emissions and greenhouse gases. It takes constant effort to meet the energy need from environmentally acceptable and renewable fuels. In order to find a replacement for depleting fossil fuel energy, a range of oxygenated fuels was investigated based on their accessibility and geographic areas. This work assessed the transesterification process’s feasibility of turning used fry oil into biodiesel fuel and its physiochemical characteristics. The performances of a diesel engine operating on biodiesel and diesel fuel were assessed and compared. Four different types of fry oils were utilized for the research on a diesel agricultural engine with indirect injection. The first fry, second fry, third fry, and restaurant fry were the various sorts of fry oil. Five different types of biodiesels and their blends were investigated for their engine efficiency and emission metrics. B40 (biodiesel 40% and diesel 60%) and B80 (biodiesel 80% and diesel 20%) biodiesel blends were tested in different engine speed conditions under 50% and 100% engine loads. While the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) decreased as the engine rpm increased, it was found that the brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) increased. Due to the poor air–fuel ratio at higher engine speeds, the BTE decreased. NO_x (nitrogen oxides) emissions were higher for all the biodiesel blends because of the higher oxygen content in the biodiesel blends. The smoke opacity in both blends decreased with rising rpm under both load situations and was lower than in pure diesel. Because of the larger cetane number and lower heating value, the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) dropped. It was determined that prolonging the fry time altered the engine performance and emission metrics. The use of sustainable fuel is essential; waste fry cooking oil as a substitute for fossil diesel could be a prospective replacement in the agricultural engine and transportation sector. Full article

Oily wastes have been widely used to produce lipases, but there is insufficient knowledge on their use to efficiently produce cell-bound lipases (CBLs). This research aimed to optimize yeast–bacterium CBLs production using blended oily wastes by statistical optimization and their potential applications in biodiesel production and wastewater bioremediation. The co-culture of Magnusiomyces spicifer AW2 and Staphylococcus hominis AUP19 produced CBLs as high as 4709 U/L with cell biomass of 23.4 g/L in a two-fold diluted palm oil mill effluent (POME) added by 2.08% (v/v) waste frying oil, 1.72.0% (w/v) ammonium sulfate, 0.1% (w/v) Gum Arabic as an emulsifier (initial pH at 7.0) within 24 h. The CBLs were successfully applied as whole-cell biocatalysts to produce biodiesel through esterification and transesterification with 76% and 87% yields, respectively. Direct application of CBLs for bioremediation of heat-treated various POME concentrations achieved 73.3% oil and grease removal and 73.6% COD removal within 3 days. This study has shown that the blended oily wastes medium was suitable for low-cost production of yeast–bacterium CBLs and their potential applications in solvent-free biodiesel production and wastewater bioremediation. These strategies may greatly contribute to economical green biofuel production and waste biotreatment. Full article

Meeting the growing energy demand for sustainability and environmental friendly fuels is a continuous process. Several oxygenated fuels were tried and tested according to the availability depending upon the geographical locations to find a solution against rapidly depleting fossil fuels (gasoline and diesel). In the present investigation, the viability of waste fry cooking oil converted into biodiesel fuel and its various physiocochemical properties was evaluated. In this regard, the performance and emission of a CI engine was compared using biodiesel fuel and mineral diesel fuel. Experimental research was performed on a single-cylinder agricultural CI engine with indirect injection, and biodiesel fuel was used with three different types of fry oils. The fry oil was classified as one-time fry, two-time fry, and three-time fry. Engine efficiency and tail pipe emission attributes were evaluated for the three different fuels. The different fuel blends used for the experiment were B60 and B80 and were tested at full load, at different engine speed (rpm). It was found that brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) increased with increasing speed, whereas brake thermal efficiency reduced with increasing engine speed. Brake thermal efficiency (BTE) reduces with increase in the engine speed because of a poor air–fuel ratio at high speed. CO₂ emission is higher because of the higher density and heating value of the biodiesel fuel, which depends on the blending ratio and the frying time of the fuel. It was also encountered that NO_x emission was higher for maximum test fuels except one-time fry waste cooking oil biodiesel at 60% blend, which showed lower NO_x than diesel fuel. Smoke opacity in both the blends have a decreasing trend with increasing speed and are lower than pure diesel. The 1FWCOB (fry waste cooking oil biodiesel), 2FWCOB, and 3FWCOB fuel exhaust gas temperature (EGT) is reduced because of higher cetane number and lower heating value. Based on the result obtained, it was concluded that by increasing the frying time of the soya bean waste cooking biodiesel, the emission characteristics and engine performance were affected. The need for sustainable fuel is important, thus the use of waste fry cooking oil is a potential replacement for diesel. Full article

The oxidation stability (OX) of the biodiesel is an essential parameter mainly during storage, which reduces the quality of the biodiesel, thus affecting the engine performance. Moreover, many factors affect oxidation stability. Therefore, determining the most significant parameter is essential for achieving accurate predictions. In this paper, an empirical equation (Poisson Regression Model (PRM)), machine learning models (Multilayer Feed-Forward Neural Network (MFFNN), Cascade Feed-forward Neural Network (CFNN), Radial Basis Neural Network (RBFNN), and Elman neural network (ENN)) with various combinations of input parameters are utilized and employed to identify the most relevant parameters for prediction of the oxidation stability of biodiesel. This study measured the physicochemical properties of 39 samples of waste frying methyl ester and their blends with various percentages of palm biodiesel and refined canola biodiesel. To this aim, 14 parameters including concentration amount of WFME (X1), PME (X2), and RCME (X3) in the mixture, kinematic viscosity (KV) at 40 °C, density at 15 °C (D), cloud point (CP), pour point (PP), the estimation value of the sum of the saturated ($\sum SFAMs$), monounsaturated (${\displaystyle \sum }MUFAMs$), polyunsaturated (${\displaystyle \sum }PUFAMs$), degree of unsaturation ($DU$), long-chain saturated factor ($LCSF$), very-long-chain fatty acid ($VLCFA$), and ratio ($\frac{{\displaystyle \sum }MUFAMs+{\displaystyle \sum }PUFAMs}{{\displaystyle \sum }SFAMs}$) fatty acid composition were considered. The results demonstrated that the RBFNN model with the combination of X1, X2, X3, ${\displaystyle \sum }SFAMs$, ${\displaystyle \sum }MUFAMs$, ${\displaystyle \sum }PUFAMs$. VLCFA, DU, LCSF, $\frac{{\displaystyle \sum }MUFAMs+{\displaystyle \sum }PUFAMs}{{\displaystyle \sum }SFAMs}$, KV, and D has the lowest value of root mean squared error and mean absolute error. In the end, the results demonstrated that the RBFNN model performed well and presented high accuracy in estimating the value of OX for the biodiesel samples compared to PRM, MFFNN, CFNN, and ENN. Full article