Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (SPK) from Jatropha Curcas: Overall Impact on Environment

Abstract

Aviation provides the only rapid worldwide transport network, is indispensible for tourism and facilitates world trade. Annually air transport moves over 2.2 billion passengers worldwide and aviation industry generates 32 million jobs globally. So, aviation industry has its own impact on various strata of life. It contributes to almost 2% of manmade CO₂ emissions and this is expected to increase for 5% by 2050. Fuel is one of the biggest operating costs for aviation industry. The changing price of crude oil also makes it difficult to plan and budget for operating expenses long- term. So, Aviation industry is now focusing on an alternative source to reduce its dependence on fossil based fuels. Many researchers recommend Bio-fuel s may act as a partial or complete substitute for fossil fuels and also reduce CO₂ emissions. Second generation Bio-fuel feed stocks (e.g., Jatropha curcas, Camelina etc) may be able to meet the technical requirements of aviation fuel. But there are serious debates about the environmental impacts of these Bio-fuel s. This paper analyses an important Bio-fuel crop used in Aviation industry, Jatropha Curcas Linn for its eco-sustainability.