SUAEDA FRUTICOSA (L) FROSSK. A POTENTIAL BIOENERGY CROP FOR IN ARABLE LANDS OF PAKISTAN

Suaeda fruticosa (L) Frossk. a halophyte was collected from the archeological site Harrappa at its mature stage. The objective of present study was to evaluate the Suaeda fruticosa from unfertile land for biofuel production, because it could be a cheap, easily available and renewable energy biomass. Oil from the seeds was extracted by soxhelt apparatus and was analyzed for water contents (0.21%), organic carbon (22.48%), crude protein (18.24%) and viscosity (40.0 mm?/sec) at 30°C. The transestrification of extracted oil was conducted to produce biofuel (methyl ester). Kinematic viscosity, flash point and specific gravity of biodiesel were also analyzed. The stem and branches, inflorescence and cake were also analyzed for ash contents, density, carbon and nitrogen contents. Results showed that Suaeda fruticosa has potential as bioenergy crop. It abundantly grows on the unfertile, saline land and able to use for the oil production. This study will help in possible utilization of large saline area for economic and ecological gains, which is otherwise unproductive.