The given cycle illustrates the process in biodiesel production.
Energy in the form of sunlight is taken in by specific plants that are categorized as “Oilcrops” along with Carbon Dioxide. These components facilitate the growth and germination ofplants through a phenomenon called photosynthesis, allowing them to produce seeds. These seeds are then extracted from the oil crops to synthesize crude vegetable oil. This oil undergoes a refining procedure to obtain refined vegetable oil.
The refined vegetable oil is processed once again with the addition of alcohol and a catalyst, obtaining a glycerol-catalyst solution and biodiesel. The glycerol byproduct is further utilized in the food and cosmetic industry whereas the biodiesel is put to use in different types of vehicles and machines, from school buses to ships.
As the biodiesel is burnt through in what is called the “Biodiesel Cycle”, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. What follows is the start of the cycle once again, where carbon dioxide and sunlight is taken in by plants to facilitate photosynthesis. Through this process, the continual production of biodiesel is able to occur.