A Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Elizabeth Odetoye, has produced biodiesel through the exploration of chicken eggshell-derived heterogeneous catalyst.
Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, Odetoye said that the feat is in line with the efforts of UNILORIN to develop homegrown technology that would enhance the country’s socio-economic progress.
She explained that the feat was accomplished through a “transesterification experiment.”
The don Said the yield showed that eggshells were affordable potential catalyst sources for biodiesel production.
The scholar said, “The utilisation of eggshells can add value to the poultry production process and minimise waste in the poultry industry.”
Odetoye pointed out that biodiesel had been considered one of the sustainable fuel alternatives.
She noted that the high production cost of biodiesel when juxtaposed with fossil fuel, remains one of the major drawbacks of biodiesel production.
The don defined biofuel as fuel made from biomass, saying, “Biofuel is synonymous with biocrude, biodiesel, bio-oil, biogas, bioethanol, Bio syngas and Bio slurry fuels.”
The Professor of Chemical Engineering added that Nigeria has abundant lignocellulosic biomass residues that are waiting to be explored in more environmentally friendly ways.
Odetoye noted that the open burning of biomass residues led to environmental pollution, especially during the dry season.
According to her, biomass waste pyrolysis is a potential means of converting waste to wealth and will create opportunities for skilled engineers and technicians.
She added that when the ensuing fuel is deployed for massive usage, it will make the nation’s physical environment cleaner and more conducive to healthy living.