TITLE:
Physicochemical Characterization of Jatropha curcas Linn Oil for Biodiesel Production in Nebbi and Mokono Districts in Uganda
AUTHORS:
Yonah K. Turinayo, Fred Kalanzi, Jude M. Mudoma, Peter Kiwuso, Godwin M. Asiimwe, John F. O. Esegu, Paul Balitta, Christine Mwanja
KEYWORDS:
J. curcas, Oil, Biodiesel, Engine, Energy
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Sustainable Bioenergy Systems,
Vol.5 No.3,
September
21,
2015
ABSTRACT: Jatropha curcas Linn has been identified worldwide as one of the sources of biodiesel. Biodiesel has energy properties close to fossil diesel and can be a potential energy alternative. However, these properties may vary based on soils, plant genetics and agro-climatic conditions in a given geographical location. Several studies on biodiesel production under such conditions have been done elsewhere, but few have been done on J. curcas oil in Uganda. This study analysed the physicochemical properties of J. curcas L. oil for biodiesel production in Nebbi and Mukono districts using American Standards and Testing Methods (ASTM D6751) and European Standards (EN 14214). J. curcas seed kernel contained 51% w/w and 48% w/w of oil with high levels of Free Fatty Acids (1.52% and 1.93%) and acid values (35 and 36 mg KOH/g) for Nebbi and Mukono, respectively; the difference was significant (p ≤ 0.05). Generally, the quality and quantity of the oil from Nebbi were better than those of Mukono, based on the biodiesel standard values. Nevertheless, kinematic viscosity, acidity, potassium and phosphorus content values were found abnormally high (31.46 - 33.23 mm2/s, 35.23 - 36.66 mg KOH/g, 16.50 - 20.52 mg/100g and 16.13 - 26.02 mg/kg, respectively) for both regions as compared to the standard values (3.5 - 5.0 mm2/s, 2 mg KOH/g,