An integrated bioprocess for bioethanol and biomanure production from pineapple leaf waste

Abstract

Indiscriminate disposal of the solid waste generated from various agricultural practices and agro-based industries causes detrimental effects on the environment. Utilization of the waste biomass for production of value added products through biotechnological intervention not only helps to combat environmental pollution but also contributes significantly to the economy. The present work focuses on integrated production of bioethanol and biomanure from pineapple leaf waste for its complete utilization leading to zero waste generation. Bioethanol production from pineapple leaf waste was carried out through simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) using cellulolytic enzyme (cellulase-xylanase concoction) and yeast. The SSF of pineapple leaf waste resulted in bioethanol production of 7.12%(v/v). The residue obtained after bioethanol production was inoculated with five different strains of blue-green algae and their concoction for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) enrichment. Among them, Fischerella muscicola was found to enrich N, P and K content of the residue by nearly 6.84, 8.78 and 14.17 folds than that of the initial content, leading to an improved NPK ratio of approximately 3.5:1:2. Use of biomanure not only enriches naturally the soil but also reduces the application of chemical fertilizer, generally causing secondary pollution. Thus, this process is more suited to eco-friendly way of waste disposal.