Production and environmental impact of Ricinus Communis L oil for biofuel purposes

Abstract

This research shows the benefits of castor oil for biofuel purposes, as a renewable energy source for Ecuador, as well as the economic feasibility for its production. The main considerations of every step of the business plan are summarized, placing greater emphasis on the environmental and financial processes. Nineteen impact categories at the middle level and four impact categories at the final level of the environment were considered. The weighted environmental impact of the oil production for biofuel purposes ranks as a small impact: 9.74 %, so castor oil plant is environmentally friendly biomass.