Comparative Analysis of Biodegradability of Biodiesel Obtained by Conventional and Non-Conventional Methods

Biodiesel is an alternative to conventional diesel fuel made from renewable resources. No engine modifications are required to use biodiesel in place of crude oil-based diesel. The use of biodiesel resulted in lower emissions of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. Biodiesel also increased catalytic converter efficiency in reducing particulate emissions. Chemical characterization also revealed lower levels of some toxic and reactive hydrocarbon species when biodiesel fuels were used. In the present work, biodiesel is produced by both conventional and non-conventional methods to determine the biodegradability effect using microorganisms obtained from soil collected from the vicinity of a petrol bunk. Also, effect on biodegradability of the biodiesel is studied by the addition of additives and on biodiesel blends especially Honge oil. The distinct advantage of using the oil was that it was cheaper and highly economical in the long run.