Non-Conventional Oilseeds: Unlocking the Global Potential for Sustainable Biofuel Production

Abstract

Renewable energy sources have become an urgent worldwide concern due to the impacts of global warming. Globally, biofuels can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are major contributors to global warming. The use of biofuels has the potential to transform the energy landscape while mitigating the adverse effects of traditional fossil fuels. This study examines the water features, biochemical compositions, and fatty acid profiles among various plant species. The results reveal significant variations in water features as a consequence of the relative water content and water potential of each seed. Also, we note that some non-edible species like A. blanchetii, C. procera, E. oleracea, P. juliflora, M. oleifera, and J. curcas have good attributes that confer a biofuel-like species. These attributes are high in oil content and have a good profile content of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), ranging from 35% to 80% among the different oilseeds. Fatty acid profiling reveals distinct compositions among the plant species. Stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1), and linoleic acid (C18:2) were the principal oils in A. blanchetii, J. curcas, P. juliflora, M. oleifera, and S. tuberosa compared to other species. M. oleifera stands out with a high linoleic acid (C18:1) content, while C. maxima, J. curcas, and P. juliflora are even higher (C18:2). A principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson correlations analysis also confirmed that alternative oilseeds exhibited similarities to standard oilseeds and have the potential to replace them for biofuel production. These findings demonstrate the potential of non-conventional oilseeds for sustainable biofuel production. By unlocking their global potential, we can advance towards mitigating environmental impacts and fostering a sustainable biofuel industry.

Biodiesel production: An updated review of evidence

“…The fatty acid composition, especially the contents of C16:0 and C18:1, were also enhanced after the microwave and sonication pre-treatments in algal species [131]. Enhancement of the lipids extracted from algal species improved the cetane number, high heating value, cold filter plugging point, and oxidative stability as compared to controls [131][132][133][134][135][136][137][138][139][140][141][142][143][144][145][146][147][148][149][150]. The results of this study confirmed that the conversion of biofuels from algae could be increased by the ultrasound and microwave techniques, to develop an eco-green and sustainable environment .…”

“…It is referred to as BDSS (Biodiesel of Soapberry Seed) [132]. According to criteria, the oil qualities are recognized, hence, three different blends and pure diesel were tested in CRDI (Common Rail Direct Injection) engines [132][133][134][135][136][137][138][139][140][141][142][143][144][145][146][147][148][149]. The blends descriptions are: 10BDSS (10% BDSS+ 90% diesel), 20BDSS (20% BDSS+ 80% diesel), and 30BDSS (30% BDSS+ 70% diesel) [132].…”

“…Camelina or false flax [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] is gaining attention throughout world for its ability to produce oil suitable for many applications such as lubricants, fuel additives, jet fuel, and biodiesel [133][134][135][136][137][138][139][140][141][142][143][144][145][146][147][148][149][150][151]. Camelina is an oilseed crop with favourable potential for biodiesel production and Camelina lines with improved oil yield and composition are being generated [133].…”

“…Camelina is an oilseed crop with favourable potential for biodiesel production and Camelina lines with improved oil yield and composition are being generated [133]. Biodiesel from Camelina will lead to energy security, stronger economy and improvement through bio-refineries producing biodiesel are on the way [133][134][135][136][137][138][139][140][141][142][143][144][145][146][147][148][149][150][151]. Genomic resources and genetic engineering platforms are available for sustainable Camelina oil production [133].…”

“…The overall process of biodiesel production from Camelina oil involves camelina cultivation, harvesting, seed processing to recover the oil, and the meal. The transesterification of camelina oil in the presence of a catalyst produced biodiesel and glycerol [133][134][135][136][137][138][139][140][141][142][143][144][145][146][147][148][149][150][151].The separation of crude biodiesel from glycerol, and crude biodiesel purification to obtain the final product satisfying the quality standard specification [133][134][135][136][137][138][139][140][141][142][143][144][145][146][147][148][149][150][151].…”