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Introduction to the Biofuel Industry
Jatropha curcas is a non-edible, succulent shrub from the Euphorbiaceae family. The plant originates from Central America and East Africa and is known today in many countries throughout the tropics as a source of biodiesel.
Jatropha has been used in many regions of the world by the locals. As the shrub is inedible to animals, Jatropha plants were traditionally used as living fences to prevent animals from grazing the fields. The oil was also traditionally used in villages of countries such asIndiato light lamps.
The Jatropha plant started gaining the attention of the world from the start of this century, as scientists, businesses and entrepreneurs began looking for alternative sources of energy and biofuels. Jatropha, being a non-food crop with distinct advantages such as adaptability to a wide range of climates & soils, drought & pest/insect resistance, high productivity and oil yields, quickly emerged as a crop with high potential for bio-energy feedstock. Since 2005, worldwide investment in Jatropha research & cultivation has accelerated tremendously, and by 2008, organized Jatropha cultivations have been reported in over 25 countries.
Economic Importance of Different Plant-Parts of Jatropha
All parts of the plant exude sticky, astringent latex that dries to a reddish-brown brittle substance resembling shellac which can be used as marking ink. The latex has different alkaloids like Jatrophine, Jatropham, Jatrophone, and Curcuine that are anti-cancerous.
- Bark - The bark contains tannins, wax, resins, saponins, reducing sugar and traces of volatile oil. A decoction of the bark is given for rheumatism and leprosy. The root bark is used in external application for sores.
- Twigs - Tender twigs are used for cleaning teeth.
- Leaves - The leaf juice is used to relieve toothache, strengthen gums and also as an external application for piles. Leaves are used for treatment of malaria. Decoction of leaves and root is given for diarrhea.
- Seeds - Oil from the seeds of jatropha contain mainly oleic, linoleic and palmitic acids as constituent fatty acids and the oil is non-edible due to the presence of a toxic substance ‘curcascine’, and anti-nutritional factors like phorbol esters. Conventionally, the seed-oil is used as an illuminant, lubricant, soap and for candle making. The seed cake contains toxic elements but is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, and can be used as manure.
- The oil and the sediment are used for soap production and the press cake as a good organic fertilizer.
- The oil also contains an insecticide.
- The oil can be used as fuel in pre-combustion chamber diesel engines and as lubricant.
- Jatropha has great commercial value as an oil crop mainly because its seed-oil has immense potential for exploitation as a source for biodiesel. The seeds contain 35-40% oil that can be converted into biodiesel by trans-esterification. Jatropha biodiesel can be used for burning in internal combustion engines. Use of biodiesel reduces atmospheric pollution and substantially helps in controlling the Greenhouse effect.
Related Links
Introduction to the Biofuel Industry
Pre-extraction of Jatropha Oil
Extraction of Oil from Jatropha Seed
Filtration & Purification of Jatropha Oil
Typical Processes & Equipments for Jatropha Oil Refinery Plants
Removing the toxins from the Meal
Global Biodiesel Production and Capacity
Global Market View on Jatropha
Status of Jatropha in South America
Status of Jatropha in North America
Status of Jatropha Oil Production in India
Genetic Engineering in Jatropha
Status of Genetic Engineering of Jatropha in India
Present Market Scenario for Jatropha
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