Life cycle assessment of Jatropha and rapeseed biodiesels: Cradle to grave

Biodiesel is considered a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels as it accounts for the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and enhancement in energy security. The present study aims to evaluate the environmental impacts of biodiesel production from Jatropha and Rapeseed oils through Life Cycle Assessment by using the ReCiPe 2016 impact assessment method and the Ecoinvent v3.8 database in the OpenLCA software. Results demonstrate that in comparison to Jatropha, the manufacturing of biodiesel from Rapeseed has substantially greater total environmental impacts, even after considering the cradle-to-grave approach. Global warming potential for Jatropha was 1.53 kg CO 2 eq per MJ, whereas, for Rapeseed, GWP was 2.14 kg CO 2 eq per MJ, highlighting a 28 % emissions reduction. Furthermore, Jatropha had 26 % less emissions in fine particulate matter formation and had 33 % (SO 2 eq emissions) lower terrestrial acidification. However, Rapeseed was better in the case of freshwater eutrophication , with 15 % (P eq emissions) lower than Jatropha. The study highlights a comprehensive approach to biodiesel systems to reduce ecological disadvantages and maximize environmental benefits. • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Jatropha and Rapeseed biodiesels with the cradle-to-grave approach. • Jatropha biodiesel has a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) than Rapeseed biodiesel. • A major hotspot for Rapeseed emissions was the agricultural stage. • Jatropha biodiesel is more sustainable due to fewer inputs and the use of marginal lands.