Production of biodiesel from edible and non-edible oils using Rhizopus oryzae and Aspergillus niger

Biodiesel fuel (BDF) produced by alcoholysis of vegetable oils or fats is viewed as a promising renewable fuel source. Diminishing petroleum reserves and increasing environmental regulations have made the search for renewable fuel. Biodiesel is non-toxic and biodegradable produced from renewable sources and contributes a minimal amount of net green-house gases, such as CO2, SO2 and NO emissions to the atmosphere. The main objective of the present study is to produce biodiesel from vegetable oils (edible and non-edible oil) and to use micro-emulsions with solvents ethanol and methanol following acid, alkali and fungal enzyme catalysis methods. The best suited method of biodiesel production was ethanolic and alkali mediated transesterification process rather than methanolic and acidic transesterification. The maximum yield of biodiesel was obtained from Rhizopus oryzae lipase enzyme, ethanolic and alkali mediated transesterification followed by Aspergillus niger.

Author(s): M. Kannahi* and R. Arulmozhi

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