Environmental Impact of Waste Peel Biodiesel–Butylated Hydroxytoluene Nanoparticle Blends on Diesel Engine Emissions

Abstract

Alternative fuels for diesel engines are essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy security by reducing dependence on petroleum, and minimise air pollution by using cleaner-burning fuels. This study investigates the environmental effects of utilising biodiesel derived from waste mosambi peel oil as a sustainable fuel alternative for common rail direct injection diesel engines. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) nanoparticles were employed as an ignition enhancer to mitigate the emissions. The test fuels comprised conventional diesel, mosambi waste peel biodiesel (MWPB), and MWPB blends with BHT [MWPB + 10-µm BHT 10 ppm (parts per million) and MWPB + 20-µm BHT 10 ppm]. The test results indicated that the MWPB + 10-µm BHT 10 ppm blend significantly reduced primary pollutants, with smoke, hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions by 42.3%, 38.09% and 61.71%, respectively, compared to pure diesel. Utilising MWPB resulted in a substantial 14.67% increase in nitrogen oxide emissions at maximum brake power. This study emphasises the potential of waste-derived biodiesel to substantially minimise environmental emissions, encouraging a more sustainable energy future.