Optimization by Response Surface Methodology of Biodiesel Production from Podocarpus falcatus Oil as a Cameroonian Novel Nonedible Feedstock

Abstract

The production of methyl esters (biodiesel) by the transesterification of Podocarpus falcatus oil (PFO) with methanol was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) using the Box-Behnken design. The effects of parameters such as temperature, reaction time, and alcohol/oil molar ratio using yield and viscosity as responses were investigated. The optimum conditions for the production of biodiesel were as follows: temperature at 65°C, reaction time of 180 min, and molar ratio of 10 : 1, while the minimum viscosity was obtained for a temperature of 50°C, a reaction time of 120 min, and a molar ratio of 10 : 1. Physicochemical characterization by infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and UV visible spectroscopy showed that the free fatty acid (FFA) content of Podocarpus oil was 1.9%, which is less than the maximum of 2% recommended for the application of the one-step alkaline transesterification process. Also, the biodiesel obtained from the oil was seen to consist mainly of methyl esters, and that its physicochemical characteristics are within the standard set by the American Standard for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

Acquisition, Characterization, and Optimization of Distilled Bioethanol Generated from Fermented Carrot (Daucus carota) Residues

“…The small deviation found between the theoretical and experimental data is similar to that found by Ngomade et al [29] and Del Aguila et al [28] when applying surface response modeling using vegetable oil sources. In the case of other fermentable sugar sources, the percentage is similar to that found in seeds, which showed high cellulose content [20].…”

“…For the preparation of bioethanol, 5 kg of samples from the shed were selected, with individuals larger than 5 cm and presenting minimal areas contaminated by microorganisms. The selected samples were transferred to the laboratory and stored in areas without the presence of light to preserve them and ensure stable points of interest; α = 1.68179 [28,29].…”

“…The parameters were analyzed with the response surface technique using STAT-GRAPHICS 16 software, considering the R 2 coefficient values for the adjustment of coefficients. For the validation of the model, the significance test and analysis of variance (ANOVA), and curve fitting, with R 2 greater than 75% or p < 0.05 with a confidence level of 95%, consistent with Ngomade et al [29], was used.…”

“…For the same experimental design, Ngomade et al [29] determined the relevance of fermentation time and yeast mass applied in the regression equation for the optimization of response in ethanol content, with an R 2 between 0.83. Previously, Vicente et al [19] determined the relationship of temperature and yeast/substrate mass ratio variables for the percentage ethanol concentration with an R 2 = 0.95.…”

Biodiesel Production by Methanolysis of Rapeseed Oil—Influence of SiO2/Al2O3 Ratio in BEA Zeolite Structure on Physicochemical and Catalytic Properties of Zeolite Systems with Alkaline Earth Oxides (MgO, CaO, SrO)

“…The growth of population around the world caused by the development of technology and progressive industrialization results in a continuous increase in energy demand. This energy demand is fulfilled through the use of fossil fuels [1][2][3]. Energy has become indispensable nowadays [4,5].…”