|
Biomass
potentials of
Lophira lanceolata fruit as a renewable energy
resource
Samuel Fariku1* and Maimuna I.
Kidah2
1College
of Science and Technology, Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola,
Nigeria.
2Department of Chemistry, Federal College of Education,
Yola, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author. E-mail:
samfarik2007@yahoo.co.uk.
Accepted 28 November, 2007 |
|
Oil was extracted from Lophira lanceolata seeds and
some physicochemical properties were examined. The oil yield
is promising. Methyl ester derivative which exhibited better
fuel properties was produced from the oil. The refractive
index, free fatty acid, kinematic viscosity, saponification
and iodine values were determined and discussed in
relationship to its applications. The energy density
compared favourably with those of other seed oils and
commercial grade diesel. The waste shells were also utilized
for the production of biogas with potentials as energy
resource that can be stored and used. The residue left
behind possessed bio-fertilizer value showing the presence
of N, P, K, Ca, Mg. Hence, L. lanceolata has
potentials of a renewable energy resource.
Key words:
Lophira lanceolata, methyl ester, refractive index,
biogas, bio-fertilizer. |
