Jatropha curcas L.: Substitute for Conventional Energy

Jatropha curcas L. or physic nut belonging to family Euphorbiaceae is an all purpose, zero waste perennial plant. It is considered as a potential source of non-edible fuel producing plant along with its different medicinal properties and grows well in the tropical and subtropical climate in India. The seed contains 40-50 % viscous oil known as ‘curcas oil’. Petroleum based fuel are limited reserves concentrated in the certain regions of the world and these are the major cause of air and sound pollution. Depleting reserves of fossil fuel and increasing effects of environment pollution from these fuels demands eco-friendly alternatives. Methyl esters of fatty acids or biodiesel have several outstanding advantages among other non-renewable and clean engine fuel alternatives and can be used in any diesel engine without any modification. It can be made from any biological sources such as vegetable oils and animal fats.