Biodiesel Production from Human Faeces via Soxhlet Extraction with Hexane and Transesterification Reaction

Oil/lipid was extracted from a primary sewage sludge by soxhlet extraction using n-hexane as the solvent. The extracted oil was then converted to biodiesel using transesterification process. The physicochemical properties of the oil/lipids and biodiesel were then determined and compared with literature for lipids and biodiesel parameters, whether they are consistent.

A percentage yield of 18.27 % was obtained for lipids extraction from primary sewage sludge, while for biodiesel production from the extracted lipids, a 66.7% was obtained.

Physicochemical parameters of both lipids and biodiesel obtained, gave values consistent with ASTM standardize, thereby suggesting that primary sludge of human excreta is a veritable/good source for the production of biodiesel, as an alternative source of fuel/energy.