Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Region III-Central Luzon
Schools Division Office of Bulacan
DR FELIPE DE JESUS NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Gov. Padilla Rd. Agnaya, Plaridel, Bulacan
Email: [email protected]•Telefax: 0447605228

Investigating the Suitability of Waste Cooking Oil

as a Feasible Source of Biofuel

Researchers:
Gutierrez, Allyah Danielle E.
Guevarra, Bryan Jay G.
Santiago, Justine D.C
Santiago, Nick Andrei V.
Research Adviser:
Ma. Almie G. Pabia

2024
INVESTIGATING THE SUITABILITY OF WASTE COOKING OIL AS A FEASIBLE SOURCE OF
BIOFUEL
RESEARCHER’S PROFILE

First Middle Last Grade Age Gender Title of Name, Research

Name Name Name Level Research Address Teacher /
And Phone
telephone number
number of
school and
division

Allyah Estrella Gutierrez 12 18 Female Investigati Gov. Padilla Mrs. Ma.

Danielle ng of Rd. Almie G.
Suitability Agnaya Pabia
of Waste ,Plaridel,
Cooking Bulacan
Oil as a
Feasible Dr.Felipe De
Source of Jesus
Biofuel National
High School

Bryan Geroni Guevarra 12 17 Male Investigati Gov. Padilla Mrs. Ma.

Jay mo ng of Rd. Almie G.
Suitability Agnaya Pabia
of Waste ,Plaridel,
Cooking Bulacan
Oil as a
Feasible Dr.Felipe De
Source of Jesus
Biofuel National
High School

Justine Dela Santiago 12 18 Male Investigati Gov. Padilla Mrs. Ma.

Raphael Cruz ng of Rd. Almie G.
Suitability Agnaya Pabia
of Waste ,Plaridel,
Cooking Bulacan
Oil as a
Feasible Dr.Felipe De
Source of Jesus
Biofuel National
High School

Nick Valdez Santiago 12 17 Male Investigati Gov. Padilla Mrs. Ma.

Andrei ng of Rd. Almie G.
Suitability Agnaya Pabia
of Waste ,Plaridel,
Cooking Bulacan
INVESTIGATING THE SUITABILITY OF WASTE COOKING OIL AS A FEASIBLE SOURCE OF
BIOFUEL
Oil as a Dr.Felipe De
Feasible Jesus
Source of National
Biofuel High School
INVESTIGATING THE SUITABILITY OF WASTE COOKING OIL AS A FEASIBLE SOURCE OF
BIOFUEL
CHAPTER 1:

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

INTRODUCTION

Considering the current state of the economy and the environment, energy consumption

continuously increases as lifestyles evolve throughout the years in both industrial and domestic sectors

which threatens the accessibility of energy sources and its supply with a constant increase in demand and

scarce downstream production affected by calamities, the pandemic, and geopolitical instability. According

to an article published by the Philippine Department of Energy in 2021, Total demand of petroleum

products as of YTD June 2021 was 12,246 ML, an increase of 12.6 percent last year’s 10.872 ML. This can

be translated to an average daily requirement of 67.7 ML vis-à-vis last year’s 59.7 ML. The transition to

less stringent travel restrictions implemented nationwide during the first half of 2021 has resulted in

increased economic activity, hence the growth in demand. Fossil fuel resources are limited and have

immense environmental consequences mainly caused by the unregulated gas emissions, and in addition, the

constant price hike caused by inflation affects the economy and the standard of living. The innovation of an

alternative source of renewable energy, such as biofuel will be highly beneficial. Waste Cooking Oil (WCO)

is an untapped source of biofuel. It is globally abundant as it is annually produced by fast food chains, local

vendors, and by domestic households, and is normally discarded, its improper disposal in water ways

drastically damages the environment as it is a water pollutant and is a health hazard once consumed. The

majority of discarded oil from fast food restaurants were overdegraded containing hazardous secondary

oxidative products, and also, the consumption of nonstandard frying oil has increased in fast food

restaurants. Policymakers should develop guidelines to determine whether and when frying oils should be

discarded and consider the consumption of overdegraded oils as a public health hazard (Esfarjani et

al.,2019).
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The production of biodiesel from WCO will alleviate both threats in the economy and the

environment. The physical and chemical properties of the WCO will be improved by implementing the

transesterification process which will be highly influenced by the use of methanol,pretreatment such as

filtration of unwanted particles, heating and lastly, fermentation. The goal is to produce methyl esters and

remove inorganic salts and water, making the WCO properties similar to petroleum diesel, a predominant

type of fuel. Once achieved, WCO will be proven to be a feasible source of biofuel.

This study is important for looking into ways in reducing the rising cost of fuel, reducing the

negative effects of carbon emissions in the atmosphere, and solving the global crisis of environmental

deterioration caused by improper disposal of waste cooking oil.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study aims to produce an alternate source of biofuel out of WCO. Broadly, our research

questions will be organised to investigate two main areas:

1. Will there be a significant difference between the usage of biofuel from WCO to diesel in the

market?

a. Which will be more cost efficient between the two?

b. Will the chemical properties of the biofuel be somewhat similar to diesel’s?

2. May WCO be an effective alternative source of biofuel?

This question leads to the null hypothesis that WCO feedstock has no significant ability to produce a

biofuel.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

In the modern world, biofuels, a kind of renewable energy source, have gained significance as a

result of the negative environmental effects of fossil fuels. After being used for cooking, leftover cooking

oil can be converted into biofuel, providing a greener fuel option than conventional fuels. Gaining
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knowledge about the process of turning used cooking oil into biofuel will lessen our reliance on fossil fuels,

cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, and help create a more sustainable future. The study investigating

the suitability of WCO as a feasible source of biofuel is significant for the following reasons:

Economy. Biofuel production from WCO can help to reduce the dependence on foreign oil, improve

energy security, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and create new economic opportunities. As the world

moves towards more sustainable energy sources, the demand for biofuels is increasing. This opens up

avenues for waste oil collection and processing businesses, job opportunities in these sectors, and boosts the

overall economy.

Environment. Compared to diesel fuel in the market, WCO biofuel emits fewer emissions and is a

renewable and sustainable fuel. Both greenhouse gas emissions and air quality may benefit from this. WCO

that is produced into biofuel can also lessen the quantity of WCO that is dumped in landfills and water

systems. This may lessen pollutants and contribute to environmental protection.

Food chains/vendors. The use of WCO biofuel in trucks and other equipment by food chains and suppliers

has advantages. Fuel economy and cost can both be improved with the use of biofuel. Furthermore, This

helps lessen emissions from machinery and cars, which can enhance air quality and lower the chance of

respiratory issues for both clients and staff.

Diesel Consumer. Diesel consumers can benefit from using biofuel from WCO in their vehicles. Both fuel

efficiency and cost can be decreased with the use of biofuel.

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

The scope of this study is to investigate the suitability of waste cooking oil as a feasible source of

biofuel. This involves studying the physical and chemical composition of WCO to be laboratory tested if

the WCO biofuel’s properties are closely similar to diesel, exploring the transesterification process as the

method of processing and refining the oil to convert it into biofuel, and assessing its potential as an
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alternative energy source being limited to testing the final product’s ability to run a gas powered lawn

mower. The delimitations of this study include the following: public acceptance of the WCO biofuel and

market dynamics affecting competitiveness, since this study is to be implemented with the goal to prove but

still not to the stage of mass production and distribution to the masses.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

The following key terms with relevance to our study will be conceptually defined by the researchers.

The following terms are:

1. Biofuel- Biofuel is a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fuel. It is

produced from renewable feedstocks, such as vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking oils, through

the transesterification process. Biofuel can be used in engines without any modifications and has lower

emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants compared to fossil fuel.

2. Glycerol- Glycerol, also known as glycerin or glycerine, is a colorless and odorless liquid that is

a byproduct of the transesterification process used in biofuel production. It is a type of alcohol and has

various applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and personal care products.

Glycerol can be further processed to obtain higher-value chemicals or used as a feedstock in the production

of other substances.

3. Methyl ester- Methyl esters are organic compounds that are formed through the reaction of fatty

acids with an alcohol, usually methanol. In the context of biofuel production, methyl esters specifically

refer to the fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) obtained from the transesterification of triglycerides present in

vegetable oils or animal fats.

4. Renewable energy- Renewable energy refers to energy derived from sources that are naturally

replenished and virtually inexhaustible. These sources include solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectric

power, biomass, geothermal energy, and tidal energy. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and contribute to
INVESTIGATING THE SUITABILITY OF WASTE COOKING OIL AS A FEASIBLE SOURCE OF
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environmental degradation, renewable energy sources have minimal or no carbon emissions and offer a

sustainable solution to meet our energy needs.

5. Transesterification process- Transesterification is a chemical reaction that involves the

conversion of triglycerides, typically found in vegetable oils or animal fats, into fatty acid alkyl esters. This

process is commonly used in the production of biofuel, where the triglycerides are reacted with an alcohol,

such as methanol or ethanol, in the presence of a catalyst to yield methyl or ethyl esters.

6. Waste cooking oil (WCO)- Waste cooking oil refers to the oil that has been used for cooking

purposes and is no longer suitable for consumption. It is typically generated from restaurants, households,

or food processing industries. WCO is considered a waste product, but it can be recycled and used as a

feedstock in the production of biofuel through the transesterification process.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Rising concerns about fossil fuel depletion, environmental pollution, and energy security have

driven the search for renewable alternatives. WCO, with its readily available power supply and inherent

energy content, presents a promising solution. This conceptual framework outlines the key components and

relationships involved in researching and developing WCO-based biofuel, paving the way for a cleaner and

more sustainable future.

The framework encompasses the entire WCO-to-biofuel value chain, from collection and processing

to conversion, characterization, and utilization. It also considers the crucial social and environmental

aspects of this endeavor, ensuring a responsible and sustainable approach. By delving into each component

and its interconnections, we can gain valuable insights into the feasibility, challenges, and opportunities

associated with harnessing WCO's potential as a biofuel. Through this comprehensive exploration, we can

work towards unlocking a future powered by renewable energy sources, mitigating our dependence on

fossil fuels, and contributing to a healthier planet.

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Figure 1: IPO of the Study

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CHAPTER 2:

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This study is important for looking into ways in reducing the rising cost of fuel, reducing the

negative effects of carbon emissions in the atmosphere, and solving the global crisis of environmental

deterioration caused by improper disposal of waste cooking oil.

According to RA 9367, or also known as the Biofuels act of 2006, The law intends to tap the

country’s indigenous agricultural resources as potential feedstock for biofuel to contribute to the country’s

goal of achieving energy security. The Department of Energy in partnership with academe to develop

alternative sources of biofuel using feedstocks such as sweet sorghum, cassava, and macro-algae which are

all still in the process of completion. WCO could be a potential untapped feedstock of biofuel as the

abundance of its usage in the Philippines being 1.26 million metric tons During the period 2022/2023, and

just as the domestic consumption. The total volume of palm oil consumed globally reached 75.22 million

metric tons in the same period according to a report by the Statista Research Department published in 2023.

The amount of cooking oil produced every year is immense, over 15 million of tons, which, if

converted, can satisfy to a large extent the world demand of biodiesel. The production of biodiesel from

WCOs allows for a 21% in crude oil saving and 96% in fossil energy saving. Each kilogram of WCOs can

be converted into biodiesel with very high yields (Sarno and Luliano,2019). Using waste oil as an

alternative fuel source helps in reducing this increasing trend of carbon emissions. Vehicle drivers, both

public and private will benefit the most due to having access to a cleaner and cheaper alternative to regular

diesel fuel which at the current state of the global economy, is heavily costly. On the economic side, this

fuel is inexpensive due to low production cost and widespread availability of raw material, which has been

wasted for years and is available equally in all parts of the world. Moreover, there is no need for massive

investments in extraction and logistics such as in crude oil. It is a privilege for investors and economists to

earn and provide an alternative product to the masses. The engine’s operational and maintenance costs are

also reduced due to its lubricating properties that lengthen the engine life ( Yaqoob et al., 2021).
INVESTIGATING THE SUITABILITY OF WASTE COOKING OIL AS A FEASIBLE SOURCE OF
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This will also benefit food chains that do not have a proper and reliable way of disposing of their

waste cooking oil.Not only that this study will be environmentally beneficial, it can also be economically

beneficial as per this alternative by-product can help decrease a nation’s dependence on foreign energy

imports of fuel. Total product import cost increased by about 99 percent from the first half of 2020s

$2,134.0 million at an average CIF cost of $47.681/bbl to $4,261.6 million at an average CIF cost of

$67.317/bbl. The rise was attributed to higher import costs and increased product import volume this year.

Meanwhile, total export earnings in the first half of this year were down by 26.9 percent from $239.0

million of 1H 2020 to $174.7 million this year. Overall, the country’s net oil import bill amounting to

$4,619.9 million was an increase by 62.9 percent from last year’s $2,336.4 million ( Department of Energy

Philippines,2021). These data are only locally relevant to the Philippines and once we take into account the

global spendings and dependance to imports, it strengthens the argument to pursue the integration of WCO

Biofuel, an untapped source that will not only be highly beneficial as well as financial aspects. Waste

Cooking Oil(WCO) is a safe and feasible feedstock of biofuel as it comes from a natural oil.

Triacylglycerides from a variety of feedstock, including non-edible oil seeds, vegetable oils, animal fats or

tallow, used cooking oil, and microbial lipids or single cell oil (from algae, oleaginous yeast, filamentous

fungi, and bacteria), are transformed into fatty acid methyl esters (biodiesel) in the presence of alcohol

(methanol or ethanol) during transesterification (Khan et al.,2021).

Ever-rising energy demand and environmental emissions have urged researchers to find new and

novel techniques to fulfil energy demand securely and sustainably worldwide. WCO is a candidate for

providing the best energy needs solution that will reduce waste management and help solve the economic

crisis. It can especially be used to run a diesel engine(Yaqoob et.al, 2021). Once the properties of diesel fuel

are similar to the alternative WCO biofuel, it is expected to be compatible with diesel engines for the

transesterification process and heating process will remove hydration, moisture, leaving only methyl esters,

which is also present in diesel fuel according to Moelter in 2017, Diesel fuel contains up to 7% of Methyl
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esters related to its volume. Used vegetable oil is a 'renewable fuel' since it does not emit any more carbon

dioxide gas into the environment, unlike fossil fuels.

The conversion of pure triglyceride to fatty acid methyl ester is high. The reaction time is relatively

short; vegetable oil from plant sources is the ideal starting material for producing biodiesel (Miyuranga et

al., 2021).

The need for development of heterogeneous catalysts has risen due to the fact that homogeneous

catalysts used for biodiesel production pose some limitations. These drawbacks include; washing of

products with water to remove catalyst from the products which results in waste water generation and loss

of biodiesel as a result of washing, the use of intensive biodiesel separation protocol, the corrosive nature of

the catalysts and impossibility of catalyst reuse. Heterogeneous catalysts have also the advantages of easy

separation from the product, reusability and eco-friendly. Calcium oxide nanoparticle has a higher basicity,

non-corrosive, can be synthesized with a lower price, lower solubility and easier to handle than

homogenous catalysts. In addition to these advantages, its being safe to the ecosystem made it an interesting

choice for a catalyst (Degfie et al., 2019).

Once the filtration, transesterification, and fermentation of the WCO is finished, it is yet to be

laboratory tested if the chemical and physical properties are somewhat similar to diesel. Biodiesel is a

mixture of different fatty acid methyl esters and is synthesized through a chemical process named

‘transesterification’. Transesterification is mainly carried out to reduce the viscosity of vegetable oils/fats

since it primarily contains triglycerides (Adhikesavan et al., 2022). Our catalyzation of the WCO biofuel

will be guided by a previous study published by the International Journal of Scientific and Engineering

Research. In summary, Transesterification of triglycerides and methanol with the help of a catalyst produces

methyl ester and glycerol. After the settling part, the glycerol layer settles down at the bottom layer in the

separation funnel. Transesterification is one of reversible reactions and proceeds by mixing Triglycerides

and Methanol reactants. Because there was excess alcohol, the forward reaction is first order, and the

reverse reaction is the second-order reaction (Miyuranga et.al, 2021).

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In addition, according to the same article written by Miyuranga et al, 2021, Biofuels can be

classified into two categories, primary and secondary biofuels and can be further determined by percentage

and these are, 100% biodiesel is referred to as B100,20% biodiesel and 80% petro-diesel is labelled B20

,5% biodiesel and 95% petro-diesel is labelled B5,2% biodiesel and 98% petro-diesel is labelled B2. For

this study, the goal is to prove that it is chemically possible to achieve B100 manually and is to be tested on

a fuel-run engine. WCO is a candidate for providing the best energy needs solution that will reduce waste

management and help solve the economic crisis. It can especially be used to run a diesel engine (Yaqoob et

al., 2021).
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CHAPTER 3:

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the methodology employed to conduct the study. In light of this, this area of

the study will expound on the procedures and application of materials in producing a WCO biofuel.

MATERIALS

The main materials used for this study are mainly the waste cooking oil as feedstock for biofuel,

collected from a local vendor located in Plaridel, Bulacan. The secondary materials which will serve as the

reactants are Pearl Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide) and 99.9% Raw Methanol. The Pearl Caustic Soda

will be pivotal in the Transesterification process of the WCO, this will absorb the water present in the

WCO. On the other hand, Methanol will be the chemical reactant that will produce Methyl esters,

transforming fats into biofuel. And for the manual filtration process, a filter cloth, cloth and sieve will be

used to remove unwanted food particles from previous use of the oil in frying that will be stored in a clear

plastic container.

MATERIALS IMAGES PRICE FUNCTIONS

Pearl Caustic Soda Php 120.00 for 250 Catalyst used in the
grams transesterification
process, segregating fats
and oil present in the
WCO.
INVESTIGATING THE SUITABILITY OF WASTE COOKING OIL AS A FEASIBLE SOURCE OF
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99.9% Methanol Php 102.00 for 1 liter Pure methanol is an
important material in
chemical synthesis.
Main catalyst in
producing methyl esters.

Filter Cloth Php 78.00 for 1 meter Filter cloth in the form
of tube or long bags is
used to filter
particulates as small as
1 millimeter out of an
exhaust gas in the
WCO.

Cloth Used old cloth Used to filter fine tiny

(Php 0.00) particles found in the
WCO.

Waste Cooking Oil Php 100.00 for 3 liters Main feedstock for
Biofuel.

Sieve Material from It filters large particles

researcher’s household in the WCO before the
(Php 0.00) filter cloth and cloth.

Wilkins Bottle Material from A Wilkins bottle is used

researcher’s household as storage for the waste
(Php 0.00) cooking oil.

Figure 2: Table of Materials Used

INVESTIGATING THE SUITABILITY OF WASTE COOKING OIL AS A FEASIBLE SOURCE OF
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EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES

The WCO supplied by a local frying vendor in the area compared to fresh cooking oil, contains solid

food waste materials that required the researchers to thoroughly filter and clean the WCO. The feedstock is

to be carefully and manually filtered using a sieve and filter cloth repeatedly until no solid food waste

material is visible. After the filtration process, the WCO is to be prepared for transesterification.

The collected yield of WCO totalled to 3 liters and using the titration procedure as a guide. The

titration procedure essentially determines the correct percentage of catalysts to produce methyl esters from

the oil. The required and most suitable amount of Pearl Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide) for every liter of

WCO is determined to be 5.5 grams and as for the 99.9% of Raw Methanol, 0.23 liters is to be used for

every liter of WCO. Through this, mixing both reactants will create a Sodium Methoxide (Na+CH3O - )

solution that will convert the fats and oil into glycerol and methyl esters.

Figure 3: Titration Formula for WCO Biofuel

As stated, the researchers will be conducting this experimentation manually, no processor will be

used and the injection of Sodium Methoxide will be done by hand, once applied, the WCO should be

vigorously mixed for 3 hours straight before letting the mixture rest overnight to complete the chemical

reaction. Once the reaction is complete, two distinct layers of glycerol and biofuel will be visible. The

glycerol is to be filtered out, leaving only the WCO biofuel to be further processed, the biofuel will be

washed in order to remove impurities and is to be heated at 50°C until it reaches its boiling point and after

the heating process, the product should now be left untouched in room temperature for a week to ferment

and strengthen catalyzation.

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REFERENCES

Adhikesavan, C., Ganesh, D., & Augustin, V. C. (2022). Effect of quality of waste cooking oil on the

properties of biodiesel, engine performance and emissions. Cleaner Chemical Engineering, 4, 100070.

Degfie, T. A., Mamo, T. T., & Mekonnen, Y. S. (2019). Optimized biodiesel production from waste cooking

oil (WCO) using calcium oxide (CaO) nano-catalyst. Sci Rep 9: 18982.

Esfarjani, F., Khoshtinat, K., Zargaraan, A., Mohammadi‐Nasrabadi, F., Salmani, Y., Saghafi, Z., ... &

Bahmaei, M. (2019). Evaluating the rancidity and quality of discarded oils in fast food restaurants. Food

science & nutrition, 7(7), 2302-2311.

Khan, H. M., Iqbal, T., Yasin, S., Irfan, M., Kazmi, M., Fayaz, H., ... & Ullah, N. (2021). Production and

utilization aspects of waste cooking oil based biodiesel in Pakistan. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 60(6),

5831-5849.

Oil Supply/Demand Report 1H 2021 vs 1H 2020 | Department of Energy Philippines (doe.gov.ph)

Sarno, M., & Iuliano, M. (2019). Biodiesel production from waste cooking oil. Green Processing and

Synthesis, 8(1), 828-836.

Thilakarathne, D., Miyuranga, K. V., Arachchige, U. S. P. R., Weerasekara, N. A., & Jayasinghe, R. A.

(2021). Production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil in laboratory scale: A review. Int. J. Sci. Eng. Sci,

5(6), 28-34.

Yaqoob, H.; Teoh, Y.H.; Sher, F.; Farooq, M.U.; Jamil, M.A.; Kausar, Z.; Sabah, N.U.; Shah, M.F.; Rehman,

H.Z.U.; Rehman, A.U. Potential of Waste Cooking Oil Biodiesel as Renewable Fuel in Combustion

Engines: A Review. Energies 2021, 14, 2565