Attalea Phalerata and Biodiesel; Potential for Local and Regional Sustainabilty

Abstract

As biodiesel grows in importance as an alternative fuel it is important to consider the implications that its large scale production and combustion have on biogeochemistry and the environment both globally and regionally. With this in mind the lifecycles of petroleum diesel and biodiesel are discussed in relation to influences on a few key biogeochemical cycles. While biodiesel is likely to have less impact than petroleum diesel on biogeochemical cycles due to combustion, the overall lifecycle for biodiesel production requires significantly larger quantities of water and nutrients. For a region considering large scale production of oil crops, increases in water and fertilizer consumption are important considerations for sustainability. Rural communities of the Amazon Basin depend greatly on forest resources. In the Brazilian State of Acre where oil prices are high, these communities can benefit from the development of alternative fuel sources like biodiesel. This region of the Amazon has many species of plants that produce high quantities of oil in their fruits and/or seeds. Initial production estimates and physio-chemical analysis for one potential species, the palm Attalea phalerata, are presented. Field observations and collections were used for per tree production estimates. Basic nutritional analysis of the fruit and kernel included protein, fiber, ash, humidity, and lipid content. Oil was extracted for analysis using petroleum ethanol solvent from the fruit and kernel. Analysis of these oils included saponification, acid, iodine, and peroxide indexes. Results indicate that the fruit and kernel contain approximately 20 and 70 percent oil, respectively. Attalea phalerata proves to be a promising species for diversified, small scale, communities working towards sustainability providing a range of useful products including oil, food for humans and animals, building materials and charcoal.