Biodiesel with a bite

US scientists have identified a snappy new source for biodiesel: alligator fat. Researchers from the University of Louisiana say the oil extracted from fats in alligators meet all the standards […]

US scientists have identified a snappy new source for biodiesel: alligator fat. Researchers from the University of Louisiana say the oil extracted from fats in alligators meet all the standards of high-quality biodiesel.

Every year, the alligator meat processing industry in the US disposes of about £15 million of alligator fat, generally into landfills.

Researcher Srividya Ayalasomayajula and his team published data showing that oil extracted from alligator fat is easily converted into biodiesel, and that the oil is actually better for biodiesel production than other animal fats.

The ‘gatordiesel’ is similar to biodiesel from soybeans. The biodiesel produced from alligator fat oil was found to meet the ASTM specifications of biodiesel.

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