Optimization of ultrasound-assisted biodiesel production from python fat oil using response surface methodology

•Python fat oil (PFO) is a novel feedstock for biodiesel production.•PFOB was optimized using RSM with two different methods (USM and CM).•Optimal yields achieved in USM and CM were 98.90 and 92.73 %, respectively.•All parameters of PFOB in USM and CM meet the requirements of EN 14,214.•USM is a more effective method of producing PFOB than CM. Diversification of oil feedstocks for biodiesel production is very necessary to reduce dependence on traditional vegetable oils and animal fats. Therefore, a conventional and ultrasound-assisted single-step transesterification process was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) for biodiesel production from a novel feedstock python fat oil (PFO). Second-order polynomial models of the conventional (CM) and ultrasound-assisted (USM) methods were used to predict the biodiesel yield, and the coefficient of determination (R2) was found to be at 0.9946, and 0.9873, respectively. The optimal biodiesel yield of USM calculated from the model is 99.12 % with the following reaction conditions: PFO/methanol ratio of 33.77 wt%, PFO/KOH ratio of 1.05 wt%, and reaction time of 128.53 min. Biodiesel yield results under optimal conditions have demonstrated that the regression models are consistent with experimental data. Besides, the biodiesel yield of USM (98.90 %) was significantly higher than that of CM (92.73 %). In particular, the properties of PFO biodiesel produced under optimal conditions were found to agree with EN 14,214 standard specifications. In summary, single-step biodiesel production from the PFO new feedstock with USM can be commendably used to engender and adopt a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy approach. [Display omitted]