Production and Quality Assessment of Biodiesel from Jatropha curcas Seed Oil Sourced from Plateau State

Energy insecurity and rising fossil fuel prices have intensified interest in alternative fuels across Nigeria. This study examines the transesterification of Jatropha curcas seed oil sourced from farms in Jos South, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria, for biodiesel production. Seeds were harvested, dried, and cold-pressed to extract crude oil, which was subsequently degummed and neutralised before the transesterification reaction. Methanol at a 6:1 molar ratio to oil was used with sodium hydroxide as the base catalyst at a reaction temperature of 60 degrees Celsius for 90 minutes. Biodiesel yield and key fuel properties including kinematic viscosity, flash point, acid value, iodine value, cetane index, and calorific value were determined and compared against the ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 standards. The study also assessed the glycerol by-product for potential soap-making applications. Biodiesel yield averaged 89.4%, and all measured fuel properties, except iodine value, fell within acceptable international standards. The high iodine value indicated elevated unsaturation, addressed through partial blending with petroleum diesel at B20 and B40 proportions. Blended fuel properties conformed to ASTM specifications, and combustion performance tests using a diesel generator confirmed operational viability. The findings establish Jatropha from the Plateau State highlands as a credible feedstock for small-scale biodiesel production in North Central Nigeria. Keywords: Jatropha curcas, transesterification, biodiesel, fuel properties, Plateau State