Sustainable Biodiesel Production from Aphanamixis polystachya (Pithraj) Seeds: A Promising Non-Edible Feedstock for Renewable Energy
Suraj Kadam
Department of Biotechnology, Rajarshi Shahu Mahavidyalaya, (Autonomous) Latur-413512 (Maharashtra), India.
Fardeen Asif Shaikh
Department of Biotechnology, Rajarshi Shahu Mahavidyalaya, (Autonomous) Latur-413512 (Maharashtra), India.
Manisha Ashok Dhotre
Department of Biotechnology, Rajarshi Shahu Mahavidyalaya, (Autonomous) Latur-413512 (Maharashtra), India.
Datta Ashok Nalle
*
Department of Zoology and Fishery Science, Rajarshi Shahu Mahavidyalaya, (Autonomous) Latur-413512 (Maharashtra), India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study investigates the feasibility of producing biodiesel from the non-edible seeds of Aphanamixis polystachya (Pithraj) seed emphasizing its potential as a sustainable feedstock for renewable energy. The extracted oil underwent a two-step transesterification process to yield biodiesel, which was then characterized for its physicochemical properties, including density, viscosity, pour point, acid value, and calorific value. “Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)” analysis identified diethyl phthalate as a significant component, with a retention time of 18.932 minutes, contributing to 22.35% of the total chromatographic area. The biodiesel exhibited a density of 0.84 g/cm³ at 15°C, a pour point below -18°C, an acid value of 0.41 mg KOH/g, and a calorific value of 38.90 MJ/kg. These properties align well with international biodiesel standards, suggesting that Aphanamixis polystachya seed oil is a promising non-edible feedstock for sustainable biodiesel production.
Keywords: Aphanamixis polystachya, Pithraj, biodiesel, diethyl phthalate, GC-MS, renewable energy