International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS) | Volume V, Issue III, March 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186

 Production and Biodegradability of Biodiesel from Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil

Hadiza Abubakar1, Aliyu Jauro2, Mahmood I.Abubakar3, Abbas Abubakar4, Salim Yushau5, Sha’aban Sallau6,
Hamza Yakubu7
1,2,4,5,7Department of Chemistry, Abubakar tafawa Balewa university Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria
3-Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Dan fodio university Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria
6- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Bayero University Kano, Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract:- Biodiesel is becoming popular as an environmentally friendly fuel, it has been used as an alternative for diesel fuel in the automotive industry, commonly known as No. 2 diesel. This research seeks to explore the potentials of Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) seed oil as feedstock for biodiesel production. Various samples were collected, extracted, analyzed, trans-esterified and Characterized using standard spectroscopic and analytical procedures. The quality of the biodiesel and its biodegradability was also investigated. The oil quality parameters of Citrullus lanatus were found to be: oil content of 43.67 %, acid value 10.61 mgKOH/g, Iodine value 40.91 gI2/100g, Moisture content 2.83 %, saponification value 137.45 mgKOH/g, Peroxide value 8.00 meq/kg. The biodiesel yield, specific gravity (SG), density and flash point of the methyl ester were found to be 81 %, 0.804 , 0.87 g/cm3 and 124 oC respectively. The biodiesel was found to be inherently degradable (38.45 %). These results showed that Citrullus lanatus seed oil has a potential to be used as a source of biodiesel, which may be considered as more economic and environmentally friendly.
Key words:- Citrullus lanatus, biodiesel, biodegradability, cetane number

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