Attalea Phalerata and Biodiesel; Potential for Local and Regional Sustainabilty
Attalea Phalerata and Biodiesel; Potential for Local and Regional Sustainabilty
Date
2005
Authors
Ghen, Graceson
Contributor
Advisor
Mackenzie, Fred
Department
Oceanography
Global Environmental Science
Global Environmental Science
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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.
Description
Keywords
fossil fuel,
biodiesel,
biofuel,
sustainability,
biogeochemistry
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55 pages
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