Bioprospecting for seed oils in tropical areas for biodiesel production

摘要

In tropical countries, the use of fossil fuels and wood to obtain energy is the main option. To preserve natural habitats in this biome, the seeds gathered from wild and cultivated plants, native to this area, could be used for biodiesel production to satisfy the energy demand. For this, the fatty acid profiles of seed oils from 71 species belonging to 28 plant families, all native of tropical regions, were surveyed in a search for carbon-based fuels substitutes. Empirical data obtained from the fatty acid composition of seed oils, as well as lab data obtained from seed oils, were used to assess biodiesel properties, and good correlation between the two methodologies was found. The saponification number, iodine value, cetane number, higher heating value, cold filter-plugging point, density, induction period, and kinematic viscosity were used to establish the suitability of the different seed oils for biodiesel production. The aptness to serve as biodiesel was determined by applying the specification for biodiesel standard made by several organizations. Twenty-seven species have been detected as complying with the most restrictive standards established for quality of biodiesel, which contain enough oil in the seeds as to be considered promising choices for biodiesel production. Actions for promoting the growth of selected species in tropical habitats, in addition to providing a valuable resource as is biodiesel, will improve such areas as adequate habitats for wildlife, while this action would create employment in rural areas using natural resources.