Authors: Nweke James, Emenike Wami, Awajiogak Anthony Ujile, T.O. Goodhead
Abstract: This study evaluates biodiesel production from water hyacinth (WH) via transesterification, highlighting its potential as a sustainable renewable energy source. Lipids were extracted from WH using Soxhlet and maceration methods, yielding modest oil content. Five methanol-to-oil molar ratios (4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1) were tested, with the 6:1 ratio in combination with a NaOH catalyst producing the highest biodiesel yield of 88.21%. The biodiesel obtained exhibited a cetane number of 57.66, meeting ASTM D6751 standards and indicating excellent ignition quality suitable for high-efficiency diesel engines. Kinetic modelling. of the transesterification reaction was conducted to determine rate constants and conversion efficiencies, providing critical data for process optimization and scale-up. Using Python 3.11 with the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm, the kinetic model closely fitted the experimental data, enabling accurate prediction of reaction progress and substrate conversion. These results demonstrate that water hyacinth is a viable feedstock for biodiesel production, offering both energy recovery and environmental management benefits. The study provides validated operational parameters and kinetic insights for the development of cost-effective, scalable biofuel production from aquatic biomass.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17542202
