Ultrasonic-assisted production of biodiesel from Pistacia atlantica Desf. oil

•Atlas pistache could be a potential substitute to petro diesel.•The best models for both the yield and energy consumption were full quadric models.•The yield and energy under optimum condition was equal to 96.6% and 32 kJ.

The objective of this research was to study the feasibility of biodiesel production from Pistacia atlantica (Atlas pistache) oil using ultrasonic system. Results showed that the best models for both the yield and energy consumption were full quadric models with suitable coefficients of determination (0.98, 0.99) and least mean squared errors (MSE) (0.351, 17.14). With increasing the amplitude and pulse, the methyl ester content increased. When reaction time and molar ratio increased to range of 5–7 min and 5–6, respectively, methyl ester content increased; while when these parameters increased out of range, yield decreased. The major properties of Atlas pistache methyl ester met the requirements of EN 14214 biodiesel standard and consequently, Atlas pistache can be a potential substitute to petro diesel.