Suitability of Jatropha curcas L. as Source of Oil and Biodiesel Production in Benue State in Nigeria

Abstract

The present study investigated the suitability, efficiency and sustainability of biodiesel production in Benue State, Nigeria, using Jatropha curcas L. seeds as feedstock. The emission rate of Jatropha biodiesel and petroleum diesel was also compared. Seeds were collected from the three Senatorial zones of Benue State. Three Local Government Areas from each zone were targeted. A total of 9 kg of seeds was processed and investigated per zone. Processing include: drying, shelling, pre-heating and oil extraction. Oil was extracted at the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT) Zaria, Nigeria. Further oil extraction and trans-esterification were carried out in the Laboratory of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, New York, USA. Zone A, B and C produced 985 ml, 980 ml and 975 ml of oil respectively from 3 kg of Jatropha seeds. Seeds combined from the three zones yielded 1000 ml of oil and 1000 ml of biodiesel per 3 kg of seed. Quantity of oil is not associated with zones of collection (χ 2 =0.263, p=0.67). Also, no association exists between zones and quantity of biodiesel (χ 2 =0.003, p=1.00). Jatropha diesel (500 ml) was consumed in 18 minutes and produced lighter smoke while petroleum diesel was consumed in 15 minutes and produced thicker smoke. The amount of carbon-monoxide emitted by petroleum diesel was twice the emission of Jatropha diesel. Therefore, sufficient quantity of biodiesel was obtained from Jatropha seed for domestic, industrial and automobile use. Jatropha diesel in the present finding was more efficient and economical when compared with petroleum diesel. From this report, Jatropha curcas is a perfect candidate as a source of obtaining cheap and safer renewable energy in line with UN goal 13 on climate action. Moreover, Jatropha curcas plant is easily cultivated under minimal edaphic and climatic requirement. However, advanced technology and technical know-how is required in biodiesel processing from Jatropha seed for maximum output.