Optimization of drying temperatures for enhanced biodiesel production from water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)

Abstract

This research dives into the process of biodiesel production from water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), exploring how drying temperatures impact both yield and fuel quality. Using biomass harvested near Vadlamudi, Andhra Pradesh, we tested three drying conditions: 120 °C, 130 °C, and 140 °C, each for six hours. The process included NaOH delignification, hexane-based lipid extraction, and transesterification. Results showed biodiesel yield increased slightly with temperature, reaching 416.4 ml at 140 °C, compared to 399.7 ml at 120 °C. Beyond yield, higher drying temperatures significantly improved quality—density and viscosity decreased, while flash point and cetane number rose. Acid value and water content were also lower at higher temperatures. Among the conditions tested, 140 °C was the clear standout, yielding biodiesel with superior characteristics. Overall, this study underscores the potential of water hyacinth as a sustainable biodiesel feedstock and highlights how simple pre-treatment optimizations can have a big impact on biofuel production quality.