Implication, visualization, and characterization through scanning electron microscopy as a tool to identify nonedible...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Biotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Second-generation biofuels offer a sustainable energy alternative.
• Nonedible plant sources are crucial for avoiding food vs. fuel conflicts.
• Micromorphological characterization aids in identifying potential biofuel feedstocks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and identify nonedible plant seeds for biofuel potential.
• To characterize the micromorphology of four selected plant seeds.
• To produce and analyze biodiesel from Brassica oleracea L. seed oil.

Main Methods:

• Light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for seed micromorphology.
• Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) production via transesterification.
• Catalyst characterization using SEM-EDX, FT-IR.
• Biodiesel analysis using FT-IR, GC-MS, and NMR.

Main Results:

• LM and SEM revealed diverse seed micromorphological features.
• Brassica oleracea L. seeds contain 42.20% oil with low free fatty acids (0.329 mg KOH/g).
• Optimized conditions yielded 87% Brassica oleracea L. biodiesel meeting ASTM standards.

Conclusions:

• Brassica oleracea L. is a viable nonedible feedstock for second-generation biodiesel.
• Detailed seed micromorphology provides insights into feedstock suitability.
• The developed biodiesel meets established fuel property standards.