Evaluation of Raffia Palm Weevil Larvae (Rhynchophorus phoenicis) as a Potential Biodiesel ....

When arable agricultural land and heavy agronomic inputs are used to plant crops for energy production like biodiesel, ethical concerns arise. Alternative biodiesel feedstocks may be able to solve the food energy competition problem. Because of its high lipid content, short life cycle, and abundance in the tropical setting, white raffia larvae (Rhynchophorus phoenicis) seem to be a viable choice. The use of R. phoenicis larvae for biodiesel production was investigated in this report. For crude grease extraction, R. phoenicis larvae were grown for 21 days on raphia stipe. Acid-catalyzed esterification and alkaline-catalyzed trans-esterification is used to turn the crude grease into biodiesel. The European biodiesel standard (EN14214) and the American Society of Testing materials requirements were used to examine the physicochemical properties of crude grease and biodiesel. The AOAC protocol was used to study the defatted extraction residue. The cetane number, heating value, acid value, and density of crude grease were all higher than those of rapeseed, while the kinematic viscosity and iodine values were lower. The yield of free fatty acids in crude grease converted to biodiesel was 85 percent. The biodiesel fuel properties obtained are very similar to those of EN 14214 and ASTM standards. The defatted extraction residue had a high protein content (66,76%) and mineral content, making it suitable for use as a supplement in animal and human feed. As a result, the R. phoenicis larvae were determined to be a valuable feedstock for biodiesel production and animal feed supplies.

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