Life cycle assessment of biodiesel production from fish waste oil

Abstract

Biodiesel is a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional diesel fuel. It can be used in existing diesel engines without any modifications. Produced from various sources like vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant grease, biodiesel emits fewer pollutants during combustion compared to petroleum diesel. However, it is crucial to assess its overall environmental impact throughout the production process. This study focuses on conducting a life cycle assessment of biodiesel production from fish waste oil using the trans esterification method. The environmental consequences were evaluated in seven categories using SimaPro software. To produce one kilogram of biodiesel from fish waste oil, the process consumes 344 watt-hours of electricity, 218.42 grams of methanol, and 10 grams of potassium hydroxide. The results of the assessment reveal the environmental impacts associated with the life cycle of producing one kilogram of biodiesel from fish waste oil. These impacts include acidification (119.28 grams of SO2 equivalent), global warming potential (119.28 kilograms of CO2 equivalent), eutrophication (5.25 grams of PO4 -2 equivalent), photochemical oxidation (84.4 grams of non-methane volatile organic compounds), ozone depletion potential (0.050075 metric tons of CFC-11 equivalent), abiotic depletion (416.2 megajoules from fossil fuels), and abiotic depletion (14.6 metric tons equivalent of antimony).

Keywords

• Biodiesel
• Biofuel
• Fish waste oil
• Life cycle assessment