Temitope Odetoye of the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, has produced biodiesel using chicken eggshell-derived heterogeneous catalysts.

Odetoye announced this in Ilorin while delivering the 253rd Inaugural Lecture of the university.

She said, “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.”

Ms Odetoye said the yield showed that eggshells were an affordable potential catalyst source for biodiesel production.

According to her, using eggshells can add value to the poultry production process and minimise waste in the poultry industry.

The lecturer said biodiesel had been considered one of the sustainable fuel alternatives.

She, however, noted that the high production cost of biodiesel, compared to fossil fuel, remained one of the major drawbacks of biodiesel production.

Odetoye defined biofuel as fuel made from biomass.

“Biofuel is synonymous with biocrude, biodiesel, biooil, biogas, bioethanol, biosyngas and bioslurry fyels,” she said.

The expert in chemical engineering submitted that Nigeria was endowed with abundant lignocellulosic biomass residues waiting to be harnessed in more environment-friendly ways.

She said the open burning of biomass residues led to environmental pollution, especially during the dry season.

According to Odetoye, biomass waste pyrolysis is a potential means of converting waste to wealth and will create opportunities for skilled engineers and technicians.

She added that it would make the environment cleaner. 

(NAN)