Transformation of Waste Cooking Oil from Vegetable Oil into Sustainable Biodiesel

Abstract

The quest for renewable energy and reduced environmental impact has shifted focus towards biodiesel, a 
petroleum diesel alternative. Biodiesel, produced from diverse oil and fat sources, presents a greener choice. 
Waste cooking oil (WCO) is an attractive feedstock, offering a viable solution for sustainability and 
pollution reduction. This study examines the production of biodiesel from WCO through an optimized 
transesterification process involving WCO, methanol, and potassium hydroxide (KOH) catalyst, an 88% 
yield was achieved under specific conditions: which include methanol-to-oil ratio of 1:5, catalyst 
concentration of 0.6%, and reaction temperature of 60°C. Pretreatment steps ensured efficient conversion 
to fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). Quality analyses confirmed compliance with international standards, 
with key properties including low acid value (0.4 mg KOH/g), suitable viscosity (3.29 mm²/s), and high 
flash point (130°C). Research findings underscore the economic and environmental benefits of harnessing 
WCO for biodiesel production, aligning with circular economy principles and global sustainability targets