A b s t r a c t. Oils available in mango, tangerine and African star seeds were extracted and characterized to determine their fuel worthiness for biofuel production. Furthermore, the fuel properties of the three oils were within the range observed for some common oil seeds like rapeseed, soybean and sunflower, which are widely sourced for the production of biodiesel on an industrial scale. The low iodine values of the oil extend their applications as non-drying oil for lubrication purposes, however, the fuel properties exhibited by the oils enlist them as potential oil seeds for the production of biofuel and further research on the improvement of their properties will make them suitable biofuel of high economic values.K e y w o r d s: fruits seed oil, biofuel, fuel properties
INTRODUCTIONThe concern for fast depletion of petroleum oil and its environmental impact has shifted interest to alternative sources of fuels, particularly biofuels, which are renewable and environmental friendly (Demirbas, 2008). Thus, varieties of virgin, non-edible and waste vegetable oils have been sourced for the production of biofuels (Maniak et al., 2009). The choice of biofuel over diesel fuel includes its portability, availability, renewability, higher combustion efficiency, higher cetane number, higher biodegradability, high flash point, inherent lubricity, lower sulfur and aromatic contents (Knothe et al., 2005).Some of the widely sourced oil seeds for biofuels include rapeseed, soybean, palm, sunflower, jatropha, and castor seeds (Meher et al., 2006). However, some of the oils studied were characterized by higher viscosity, lower volatility, lower energy content, higher nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission rates, lower engine speed, reactivity of unsaturated hydrocarbon chains, higher cloud point and pour point (Enweremadu and Alamu, 2010). All these are contrary to the qualities found in the convectional diesel fuel, in the light of this, virgin oilseeds are studied for their potentials as viable source for biofuel production.African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) is a large berry fruit of plant family called Sapotaceae widely found in some West and Central African countries (Bada, 1997). The commercial value of the fruit is attracting interest particularly application of its seed oil as well as roots and leaves for medicinal purposes (Bada, 1997). Mango (Mangifera indica) fruit, on the other hand, is a drupe with a single seed, surrounded by yellowish or orange fibrous flesh, rich in vitamins. This tropical fruit tree thrives well in Asia and Africa continents and its shapes, sizes and colour depend on the variety (Nzikou, 2009). Tangerine fruit belongs to the family of Citrus genus and the sweet (Citrus sine sis) is the most widely grown of the citrus trees and the fruit is either eaten fresh or made into juice. The selected seeds contributed immensely to solid agricultural wastes found in most the towns where they are grown and consumed. This study examined the properties of oils obtained from African star apple, mango and tan...