AE Pillay, M Elkadi, S Stephen, J Manuel and MZ Khan
Keywords: ICP-MS, B20, B100, neem biodiesel, trace/toxic metals.
Abstract: Neem biodiesel is being developed as a future biofuel. Accompanying the growing global production of biofuels is the looming threat of environmental pollution. Such pollution can originate in two ways: firstly, combustion of biofuels containing elevated levels of toxic elements could contribute to atmospheric pollution; and secondly, poor quality biofuel (and waste products) that is returned to the environment could contaminate soil and aquatic resources. In this study the potential environmental toxicity of neem biodiesel was examined and compared with alternative fuels (B20/B100) using high performance ICP-MS. The neem biodiesel was prepared in our laboratory from neem feedstock (kernels and fruit) harvested in 2012. A dual acid-base catalyzed esterification process was employed to produce the biodiesel fraction. Prior to high resolution instrumental analysis all samples were digested in mild acidic media. The basic physical properties of the neem biodiesel were in agreement with those of regular petroleum diesel. Twelve elements (ranging from beryllium to uranium) considered to be environmentally toxic were detected in the neem biofuel and their levels displayed lower profiles of elemental toxicity compared to the B100 samples. B20, on the other hand, displayed reduced levels of toxicity in general. The study is of particular interest to environmental toxicology and sustainable development.
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