EMISSION CHARACTERISTICS OF DESERT DATE (BALANITES AEGYPTIACA) BIODIESEL–KEROSENE BLENDS IN A DOMESTIC KEROSENE STOVE
Growing concerns over the adverse health effects of kerosene emissions, the rising cost of fossil fuels, and the need for sustainable household energy alternatives motivated this research. This study investigates the emission characteristics of Desert Date (Balanites aegyptiaca) biodiesel–kerosene blends used in a domestic kerosene stove. Biodiesel was produced via transesterification and blended with kerosene at varying proportions. Emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and unburned hydrocarbons (HC), were measured under steady operating conditions. Results indicate that increasing biodiesel content significantly reduced CO and HC emissions due to improved oxygen availability in the fuel, while CO₂ emissions showed a marginal increase, indicating more complete combustion. Increasing balanites aegyptiaca biodiesel content in kerosene significantly reduced CO and HC emissions, while CO₂ decreased slightly across all blends. ANOVA results confirmed that these differences were statistically significant. Although BB100 produced the lowest emissions, BBK5 is recommended as the most suitable blend, offering cleaner combustion with performance characteristics closest to kerosene. The findings suggest that balanites aegyptiaca biodiesel–kerosene blends can serve as a cleaner alternative fuel for domestic cooking applications.
Authors : Babajo, S.A., Muhammad, A.M., Salisu, L. and Soja, Y.J.
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 12(1) Date Uploaded : 5th August 2026