Nigerian Professor Produces Biodiesel From Poultry Waste
A Nigerian Professor, Temitope Odetoye from the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Ilorin, has successfully produced biodiesel using an eggshell catalyst.
Odetoye revealed this during the 253rd Inaugural Lecture of the university titled “Symphony of Biomass, Bioenergy and Bioproducts for Sustainability” in Ilorin.
According to her, “The trans esterification experiment was based on a two-factor, three-level central composite design, while catalyst concentration and reaction time were considered the factors which had significant effects on the yield of biodiesel.”
Odetoye who lectures, in the University’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology, remarked that the yield indicated the viability of eggshell as a cost-effective catalyst for biodiesel synthesis.
She highlighted that utilizing eggshells could enhance the poultry production process and reduce waste in the industry.
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The lecturer emphasized biodiesel’s status as a sustainable fuel option but acknowledged its high production costs compared to fossil fuels as a significant challenge.
Odetoye defined biofuel as a fuel derived from biomass.
“Biofuel is synonymous with biocrude, biodiesel, biooil, biogas, bioethanol, biosyngas and bioslurry fuels,” she said.
The chemical engineering expert emphasized Nigeria’s wealth of lignocellulosic biomass residues, highlighting the need for environmentally friendly utilization.
She noted that open burning of such residues has led to environmental pollution, particularly during the dry season.
Odetoye underscored biomass waste pyrolysis as a promising avenue for converting waste into valuable resources, offering opportunities for skilled engineers and technicians while simultaneously enhancing environmental cleanliness.
NAN
