Sustainable Biofuel Production From Water Hyacinth (Eicchornia Crassipes)

  ijett-book-cover  International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT)          
  
© 2013 by IJETT Journal
Volume-4 Issue-10                      
Year of Publication : 2013
Authors : Ch.Vidya Sagar , N. Aruna Kumari

Citation 

Ch.Vidya Sagar , N. Aruna Kumari. "Sustainable Biofuel Production From Water Hyacinth (Eicchornia Crassipes)". International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT). V4(10):4454-4458 Oct 2013. ISSN:2231-5381. www.ijettjournal.org. published by seventh sense research group.

Abstract

A major source of energy for our dynamic society is the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and natural gas. These sources of energy have been found to have limited amounts available, and therefore are said to be depleting resources. Scientists are continuously looking to find alternatives to fossil fuels. One such alternative is using vegetable oils to make fuel. This is achieved by the replacement of petroleum by renewable energy i.e., biodiesel from ecosystems and agro ecosystems which represents a central strategy to mitigate and to adapt to climate changes and it is eco-friendly, renewable and more biodegradable. Biodiesel is a much better lubricant than petro-diesel and extends engine life. There are number of vegetable oils are available, like Jatropha curcas, Pongamea glabra, Salvalora oleoides, Madhuca indica, Azadiracta indica, Piper nigram, castor, coconut, sunflower, ground nut, palm trees etc. But all these have their own medicinal values and other important uses rather than the production of biodiesel. So, while selecting the best one, it should be considered that such a raw material is to be selected which is abundantly available in all times at any place and which is not useful for other purpose rather than the production of bio-diesel. As the search for alternatives to fossil fuel intensifies in this age of modernization and industrialization, fuelled by increasing energy costs, water hyacinth holds a strong promise in the 21st century biofuel industry. So, an attempt was made to produce biodiesel from water hyacinth and to discuss technical, socio-economic, and environmental benefits of small scale biofuels such as improving energy access, creating additional sources and means for income generation and mitigating environmental pollution at both local and global levels.

References

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Keywords
Biodiesel, Non-renewable resources, vegetable and animal oils, water hyacinth (Eicchornia crassipes)