Question

Which one is being used as a source of biodiesel in the Indian countryside?
A. Beetroot
B. Sugareane
C. Pongamia
D. Euphorbia

Answer 1

Hint: Biodiesel is an eco-friendly, renewable, alternative diesel fuel obtained from the vegetable oils(edible or non- edible oils) and animal fats, for example Jatropha plant, Pongamia, Karanja etc.

Complete answer:
Biodiesel is a fuel source which is derived from the animal fat and vegetable oils. It is a renewable source of energy and is a clean fuel as it is produced from the animal fat which is mixed with methanol or ethanol. It is an eco- friendly fuel which does not produce remarkable waste.
Advantages of Biodiesel:
- It is safe to use as it does not create any toxic residue.
- It has a lower emission rate, making it reliable for longer use.
- It is the alteration of petroleum diesel oil.
- It does not pollute the environment and keep the surroundings clean.

Jatropha plant and Pongamia is one of the main resources that helps in the production of biodiesel. Pongamia is the non-edible plant oil as it has a good nitrogen fixation amount and is not easily eaten by animals. It is mainly grown in saline, alkaline water. In their seeds 30 to 40% oil is there.

The oil is useful in the cooking purpose and in the lightning of lamps. The oil is thick and of yellow brown colour. It is transformed to biodiesel by Trans -esterification with the methanol. The oil extracted can also be used for the treatment of rheumatism.

Euphorbia is a feedstock used for the production of biofuel. The poisonous latex is transformed into gasoline . It is possible due to the presence of milk bush in their shrubs. It is mainly done in countries like Japan, Malaysia for the production of biodiesel.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: The process of converting crude oil obtained from the seeds into the commercial useful fuel is called trans-esterification. In this process vegetable oils, fat oils are processed to produce biodiesel. The properties of biodiesel are very similar to fossil fuels. Impurities should be removed to avoid alterations in motor fuels.