Helianthus annuus based biodiesel production from seed oil garnered from a phytoremediated terrain

Dependence on the exhaustible fossil fuels exhibited the urgent need for the development of alternative energy production based on green chemistry methods. Biodiesel production marks a green product produced from a variety of bio-entities. Current investigation is an account of the first time exploration of the biodiesel production from the seeds of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) previously garnered at a phytoremediation site. Sunflower crop has been grown for the accumulation of heavy metals at a contaminated site, later on such plants were utilised for biodiesel production via transesterification signifying a duality in achieving the purpose of environmental detoxification in addition to energy production. Biodiesel production based on the ethanolysis expressed an augmented transformation of up to 96% with simultaneously occurring inconsequential reactions. The prepared biodiesel was analysed for the presence of compounds and functional group through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Furthermore, the derivation of other products, e.g. ethyl oleate can find a potential utilisation in the pharmaceutical industry associated with the making of drugs. Relevant and apropos upgradation of the sunflower seed oils can result in the favourable biofuels. Current research is the indicative of successful use of phytoremediated crops for gaining environmental integrity.