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Biodiesel production from scum of grease traps and sludge from septic tanks

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Abstract

Scum from grease traps and sludge from wastewater are an oil-rich waste from the wastewater treatment plants. To mitigate possible negative impacts on the environment, the production of biodiesel from grease traps and sludge from sumps and septic tanks was investigated. These wastes are characterized by a high content of free fatty acids (FFA) and processed towards biodiesel by acidic esterification. The reaction of FFAs by an acid catalyst was optimized through a response surface methodology. The best conversion (95.3%) was obtained with acid catalyser (1.5% w/w oil/4 h) and raw material from the grease trap at the university restaurant at 70 °C and a molar ratio of 1:9 (oil/alcohol). In conclusion, there is viability of biofuels production through the use of sanitation waste as raw material.

Graphical Abstract

Scum and sludge are an oil-rich waste from the sewage treatment plants. To mitigate possible negative impacts on the environment, these raw materials were used as feedstock for biodiesel production.

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Funding

This study was funded by FINEP PROSAB—BRAZIL.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitoria, ES, 29075-910, Brazil

    J. P. Oliveira, P. W. P. Antunes, T. Z. Mordente, A. R. Santos & S. T. A. Cassini

  2. Department of Engineering and Technology, Federal University of Espírito Santo, São Mateus, ES, 29932-540, Brazil

    L. M. Pinotti

Authors
  1. J. P. Oliveira
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  2. P. W. P. Antunes
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  3. T. Z. Mordente
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  4. A. R. Santos
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  5. L. M. Pinotti
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  6. S. T. A. Cassini
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to J. P. Oliveira.

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Oliveira, J.P., Antunes, P.W.P., Mordente, T.Z. et al. Biodiesel production from scum of grease traps and sludge from septic tanks. Clean Techn Environ Policy 19, 1231–1237 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-016-1308-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-016-1308-7

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