Abstract
Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is a multipurpose tree that grows in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa. Traditionally the leaf, fruit pulp, and seeds are used as food and animal feed while the bark and root serve as sources of fiber and traditional medicine. Baobab seed investigated in this study were found to contain 21.3% oil and 39.0% protein. The oil extracted from the seed appeared turbid and was refined using ethanol treatment. The clear and refined oil was then converted to biodiesel and showed a density of 878 kg/m3, a kinematic viscosity of 4.3 mm2/s, a cloud point of 5 °C, a pour point of -11 °C, and an iodine number of 57.9. Therefore, the biodiesel meets all international standards indicating the potential of baobab tree as a source of biofuel in the same way as Jatropha curcas. The use of baobab for biodiesel production offers several advantages. First, the tree is drought tolerant growing well in arid and semi-arid regions where most other crops cannot grow. Second, the baobab tree has a long life span (up to two thousand years) requiring no seasonal land preparation and application of fertilizers and pesticides. Third, baobab seed oil meal is nontoxic and can be used as a source of protein for the preparation of food and animal feed. Therefore, the use of baobab seed oil for biodiesel production could help to expand the range of baobab products which could in turn help to create jobs for rural communities in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa and improve their livelihood.
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Masisi, K., Rantong, G. & Gessesse, A. Biodiesel production from baobab seed oil and its potential to improve livelihood of rural communities in arid and semiarid regions of Africa. Environ Dev Sustain (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-024-05011-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-024-05011-8