Process Optimization and Environmental Analysis of Ultrasound-Assisted Biodiesel Production from Pangasius Fat Using...

Area of Science:

• Green Chemistry
• Renewable Energy
• Catalysis

Background:

• Biodiesel production faces challenges in feedstock sustainability and process efficiency.
• Pangasius fat offers an underutilized, potentially sustainable alternative feedstock.
• Optimizing synthesis parameters is crucial for maximizing yield and minimizing environmental impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize biodiesel synthesis from Pangasius fat using a Box-Behnken design.
• To evaluate the environmental implications of the optimized biodiesel production process through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
• To establish Pangasius fat as a viable feedstock for sustainable biodiesel.

Main Methods:

• Box-Behnken experimental design to optimize catalyst dosage (CoFe2O4), methanol-to-fat ratio, and ultrasonic wave amplitude.
• Central runs to determine optimal synthesis conditions.
• Characterization of biodiesel properties (viscosity, specific gravity, acid value, iodine value).
• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to quantify environmental impact, specifically global warming potential (GWP).

Main Results:

• Optimal conditions yielded a maximum biodiesel yield of 96.5%.
• The synthesized biodiesel met key quality specifications.
• Life Cycle Assessment indicated a low global warming potential of 0.21 kg CO2 per kg of biodiesel.
• Demonstrated the environmental viability and efficiency of the optimized process.

Conclusions:

• Pangasius fat is a promising sustainable feedstock for high-yield biodiesel production.
• The optimized synthesis process is environmentally sound, with minimal GWP.
• This research contributes valuable insights for developing eco-friendly energy alternatives.