Investigation of terminalia (Terminalia belerica Robx.) seed oil as prospective biodiesel source for North-East India

Terminalia (Terminalia belerica Robx.) is available in the northeastern region of India. The fruit of terminalia has some medicinal value and its kernel contains 43% oil. The prospect of terminalia oil for biodiesel production is investigated with reference to some relevant properties. The fatty acid profile of oil extracted from terminalia is found comparable with similar seed oils attempted for biodiesel production in this region. Terminalia oil contains 32.8% palmitic acid, 31.3% oleic acid, and 28.8% linoleic acid. The calorific value and kinematic viscosity of terminalia oil are 37.50 MJ/kg and 25.60 cSt, respectively. The calorific value and cetane number of terminalia FAME are within the acceptable limit of the EN 14214 standard. However, the flash point of terminalia FAME (90 °C) is relatively lower than the minimum required standard. Overall, the properties of biodiesel obtained from terminalia seed conform to the existing biodiesel standard. In addition to assisting the national biodiesel mission, the extension and regeneration of forest areas through terminalia planting would help us to curb the seemingly irreversible trend of de-forestation in the northeast region of India.