Life cycle assessment of biodiesel from Jatropha Curcas L oil. A case study of Cuba

The aim of this research is to identify and quantify the categories which have the largest environmental impact in the biodiesel production process from Jatropha curcas L oil. The Jatropha curcas L is selected due to its availability in Cuba, so 400 L/d was defined as a functional unit. The valorization analysis was conducted taking into account the conventional Jatropha curcas L oil production. The analysis is conducted based on several factors such as the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and agriculture wastes. The activities of agriculture and industrial stages are shown. The Life Cycle Assessment is addressed according to the ISO 14040 series, by using the Ecoinvent database 2003 and the Eco-indicator 99 methodology. Based on the obtained results, the environmental performance of the production of biodiesel from Jatropha curcas L oil has a good environmental behavior. The agriculture stage shows the greatest impact due to land use and fossil fuel depletion. In addition, electricity has the highest impact due to respiratory effects from the emission of tiny material particles into the atmosphere.