An Overview of Biodiesel Produced from 2nd Generation Feedstock: Mustard Seed Types

Most energy consumed globally is obtained from non-renewable energy sources. The rapid depletion of fossil fuels and their negative impact on global warming and crude oil prices have increased the need for new and renewable fuels. On the other hand, the global pandemic has reemphasized how vital clean air is for a healthy life. Biodiesel is a biodegradable, non-toxic, oxygen-containing, and renewable fuel that may substitute power for fossil fuels. The feedstock constitutes a significant part of the cost of biodiesel production. In biodiesel production, edible vegetable oils may cause many problems, such as jeopardizing biodiversity, depletion of food supply, economic imbalance, and high pricing. Non-edible vegetable oils, which are up to these problems, are considered alternatives to edible food crops for biodiesel production. Consuming mustard seed with a high erucic acid content is considered unsuitable for human health due to this acid leading to cardiovascular problems. In addition, mustard seed oil has a high MUFA value, resistance to cold and drought, weed-fighting structure, very high genus, species content, etc.; hence, it is engaging the attention of researchers around the world. This review introduces the botanical characteristics, fatty acid composition distribution, biodiesel synthesis, biodiesel production methods, fuel properties characterization of biodiesel, and performance and emission characteristics in engine use of the most well-known mustard types. This comprehensive review will be beneficial to the investigators to absorb the mustard, which is a 2nd generation feedstock in biodiesel synthesis, in great detail.