Comparative assessment of edible and non edible biodiesel for nox reduction

Abstract The combustion of petroleum-based fuels in the internal combustion engines has contributed significantly towards air pollution. Among the various air pollutants, Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) emissions pose detrimental effects on the human health, as well as to the biodiversity. The seriousness of NOx emission can be realized by the fact that its prolonged exposure can cause lung cancer in human beings. The old-aged people, expecting women and new-born infants are at higher health risks. Therefore, mitigation of the NOx emissions has become a key aspect in ensuring clean atmosphere and healthy sustenance of life on earth. Additionally, with limited petroleum reserves, hike in the fuel prices and growing energy demands have paved the way for research in the domain of alternate vehicular fuels. In an attempt to reduce engine emissions, many researchers have tested diesel engine with biodiesel blends. Diesel engine is a direct emitter of NOx emissions. Hazards from NOx emissions and call for alternate transport fuels have been the motivation behind the present work. The objective of this study is to review the contribution of biodiesel blends in lowering NOx emissions. The present research aims to update the existing role of biodiesel application to ensure NOx free vehicular emissions. The survey will enable the selection of a suitable biodiesel blend category which can prove to be promising in NOx control. It will provide the way forward in biodiesel strategies for low NOx emissions from diesel engines.