Bio-Ethanol Yield from Selected Lignocellulosic Wastes

Abstract

Developing nations are experiencing energy deficit because of overdependence on fossil-based fuels. Countries such as Nigeria have abundant raw materials for biofuels, yet these have not been explored. This study was designed to evaluate the bioethanol production potentials of lignocellulosic-based wastes. The mean glucose yield and TRS obtained from the 13.1M H2SO4 were significantly higher than those of 9.4M and 5.6M H2SO4 hydrolysis. The mean glucose yield and TRS obtained from the 13.1M H2SO4 hydrolysis were: CP (85.1±5.7, 209.8±3.7mg/kg), YP (269.2±11.2, 541.3±7.8 mg/kg), PP (304.0±6.1, 461.2±3.6 mg/kg) and SD (343.2±4.8, 535.9±5.0 mg/kg). The 13.1M hydrolysate was used for the ethanol production and the maximum production was obtained at 48hours of fermentation, the mean ethanol yield being: CP - 160.0±15.1 mL/kg, YP -211.7±15.3 mL/kg, PP - 265.0±20.5 mL/kg and SD - 280.0±11.5 mL/kg. A linear relationship exists between the ethanol yield and fermentation time (R2 = 0.711). Sawdust produced the highest glucose and ethanol yield among the substrates; hence ethanol production from sawdust should be explored and optimized.