Optimization of acid‐catalyzed transesterification of oil derived from mango processing seed waste: a step towards the circular economy

Energy is the basis for socio‐economic development. The effects of fossil‐based energy sources underscore the urgent need for renewable and cost‐effective alternatives. Biofuels derived from non‐edible and low‐cost feedstocks are a promising alternative. This study focused on optimizing biodiesel production from mango seed waste‐derived oils using sulfuric acid‐catalyzed transesterification. A central composite design involving molar ratio (M) and catalyst amount (C) at three levels, excluding the axial points, was employed to investigate their effects on conversion ( X MO ) and fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) yield. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the reaction conditions of the process. The results of the statistical analysis revealed distinct trends in the responses, which were influenced by the M and C levels. The maximum X MO (78.79%) and FAME yield (78.87%) were achieved at a linear point with M of 1:35 and 65% C, whereas the lowest responses were at 1:65 and 35%, respectively. This implies that M and C have significant effects on conversion and FAME yield. The statistical analysis showed that curvature is not significant ( P > 0.05), implying that the linear model is found to be suitable to optimize the responses. The optimization resulted in a FAME yield of 78.775% and X MO of 78.238% at M of 1:35, C of 65 wt.%, a mild reaction temperature of 60 °C, and a stirring speed of 700 rpm. The regression analysis revealed that the model was significant and robust in capturing the impact of the factors, with excellent agreement between the experimental and predicted values.