Production of Biofuels from Waste Food and Vegetables for Engine Applications: A Review

This review examines the production and application of biofuels, specifically bioethanol, biodiesel, and biogas, derived from waste food and vegetables for use in internal combustion engines.It synthesizes current technologies, including enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation, transesterification, and anaerobic digestion, and evaluates their yields, efficiencies, and environmental impacts.Research suggests that bioethanol yields from household food waste can reach approximately 108 g/kg dry matter, while biodiesel from used cooking oil achieves over 90% yield.These biofuels offer significant greenhouse gas savings, with biodiesel from waste oil potentially reducing emissions by over 80% compared to fossil diesel.Engine performance studies indicate trade-offs, such as increased fuel consumption but reduced carbon monoxide emissions.Challenges include feedstock variability, processing costs, and scalability, with advancements in microbial strains and catalysts addressing these issues.The review highlights the potential of waste-derived biofuels to support sustainable energy and waste management, providing insights for researchers and policymakers.