Green and Sustainable Entrepreneurship: Argemone Mexicana Seed as Source of Biodiesel Production and Marketing

The worldwide energy landscape is changing due to green concerns of environment and the depleting reserves of fossil fuel. It is now inclined towards renewable and sustainable resources. Biodiesel has evolved as one of the promising renewable energy alternatives due to biodegradable and its eco-friendly nature. On the other hand, the reliance on feedstock which is safe to be eaten, for its production has raised concerns. A debate of food versus energy has started which prompted the exploration of underutilized and non-edible sources. Argemone Mexicana, locally known as Satyanashi or Kataiya, stands out as a promising feedstock. Its non-competitive nature with food crops and high oil content make it viable. This research reveals the prospective in Argemone Mexicana seeds, examining the whole process from seed oil removal to biodiesel production and its characterization. The oil content of above said seeds, ranging as of 25–35%, was extracted using solvent extraction and mechanical pressing methods. The seeds oil underwent transesterification process, where a reaction takes place between triglycerides of the oil and methanol in presence of a catalyst, producing biodiesel and a by-product as glycerol. For maximizing biodiesel yield and quality, the process parameters, like molar ratio of methanol and oil, catalyst concentration, time of reaction and reaction temperature etc, have to be optimized. The derived biodiesel was evaluated for their physicochemical properties, like density, viscosity, Kinematic viscosity etc. These properties were compared to EN 14214 standard, in addition to conventional diesel. The obtained results established that Argemone Mexicana biodiesel meets the necessary specifications, assuring its suitability for utilizing in diesel engines with insignificant modifications. Moreover, the byproduct glycerol may be refined for applications in industries, enhancing the economic viability of production process.