ABU students produce bio-diesel

The project is located in Bomo community in Zaria where the Jatropha plant (from which the fuel will be produced) is being cultivated.The fuel will be produced through a process called “Jatropha Esterification”. In addition to the bio-diesel production, other by-products that can also be produced through this process include soap, energy pellets, cosmetics, toothpaste, […]

The project is located in Bomo community in Zaria where the Jatropha plant (from which the fuel will be produced) is being cultivated.
The fuel will be produced through a process called “Jatropha Esterification”.
In addition to the bio-diesel production, other by-products that can also be produced through this process include soap, energy pellets, cosmetics, toothpaste, embalming fluid, pipe joint, moistening agent in tobacco, among others.
The Jatrohpa trans-esterification process will also produce a waste product known as Jatropha seed cake which can be used as a rich organic fertiliser.
SIFE’s project manager, ABU chapter, Victor Bala, said the organisation was in partnership with the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT) and the district head of Bomo, Alhaji Jafar Madaki.
Bala stated that the bio-diesel will reduce the emission of carbon mono oxide and help combat global warming.
He added that SIFE planned to extend the project to neighbouring communities such as Giwa and Funtua.
Jatropha plant contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and it can also be used to produce bio gas.
One tonne of jatropha curcas seeds will produce approximately up to 600 litres of bio-diesel with proper management.
SIFE is an international organisation that sponsors students entrepreneurship programmes on higher institutions. It promotes innovation, creativity and empowerment of local communities.
It has various branches, worldwide, including Lagos, while its headquarters is in Washington DC, United States of America.
Maikudi is a 300- level student of Mass Communication, ABU Zaria