Production of Methyl Ester (Biodiesel) From Four Plant Species of Brassicaceae: Optimization of the Transesterification Process

Abstract

Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME; Biodiesel) of four plant species of Brassicaceae family having more than 30% fixed oil in their seeds were examined. Base catalyzed transesterification using 1:6 molar ratio (oil:methanol) at 70°C was the optimal method to convert crude oil into FAMEs. FAME of oil of these four species, Brassica alba (white mustard), Brassica campestris (mustard), Brassica rapa (canola), and Eruca sativa (rocket seed oil), were found suitable for use as biodiesel and they meet the major specification of biodiesel standards of the United States. The selected plants have great potential for biodiesel use in ordinary diesel engine due to their engine efficiency, consumption, and performance, which is in accordance with mineral diesel.

Keywords:

• Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs)
• Transesterification
• White mustard
• Mustard
• Canola
• Rocket seed oil
• Biodiesel

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Authors are thankful to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Islamabad for providing funds and support for this project.