Biodiesel – a Real Solution for Reducing Air Pollution ?

  • Odagiu I. Antonia USAMV-CN, IPM
  • I. I. Oroian
  • Sonia I. San?
  • D. I. Varban
  • P. I. Burduhos
Keywords: fuel, raw material, trans-esterification, methyl-ester, international regulation

Abstract

Traffic emissions made up of high levels of nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, and particulate matter determine serious pollution in urban high agglomerations. One solution in reducing atmospheric pollution is represented by finding not pollutant alternatives to classic fuel used for urban vehicles and one valuable solution is the replacement of pollutant fossil fuels with biodiesel/biofuel. The reaction between glycerides and methanol, in presence of a catalyst represents the basis of biodiesel fuel production. The main plants used for biofuel production are: soybeans, rapeseed (canola), sunflower seed, palm fruit or kernels, coconut and physic nut, etc. The legal approach of biodiesel use includes a series of national and international agreements adopted with the aim of reducing air pollution produced by the use of traditional fuel in urban traffic, and biodiesel use remains a valuable option, in spite of high production costs.