Abstract
The interest in using Jatropha curcas L. as a feedstock for the production of bio-diesel is rapidly growing. Available literatures holds [promise for the simultaneous wasteland reclamation capability and oil yields of the plant hence fueling the Jatropha bio-ethanol hopes. This research investigated the bioconversion of cellulose from press cakes of Jatropha oil seeds, which is a byproduct from a biodiesel plant, into ethanol by using the methods of acid pretreatment, hydrolysis and fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The process includes the pretreatment method of the finely ground cellulosic solid oilseed cake with dilute sulphuric acid and heating the mixture at a high temperature to break the crystalline structure of the lignocellulose to facilitate the hydrolysis of cellulosic component by dilute acids. About 63.33% ethanol was recovered as confirmed by the infra-red spectroscopy and the investigated physicochemical parameters show that the produced bioethanol holds promise for its use as a possible candidate for replacement for petroleum diesel.
Highlights
Jatropha curcasis a large and fast-growing shrub belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family
This research investigated the bioconversion of cellulose from press cakes of Jatropha oil seeds, which is a byproduct from a biodiesel plant, into ethanol by using the methods of acid pretreatment, hydrolysis and fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae
About 63.33% ethanol was recovered as confirmed by the infra-red spectroscopy and the investigated physicochemical parameters show that the produced bioethanol holds promise for its use as a possible candidate for replacement for petroleum diesel
Summary
Jatropha curcasis a large and fast-growing shrub belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. Besides emissions from the burning of these fuels such as CO2 CO, NOx and sulfur containing residues are the principal causes of global warming [8] This has stimulated the widespread search fora cheap and an eco- friendly alternative source [9]. Biodiesel is a mono alkyl ester of fatty acids derived from vegetable oils and animal fats; it is a clean and renewable fuel [11,12]. It is a liquid which varies in colour between golden and dark brown depending on the production feedstock [13]. Other attractive features of biodiesel includes; non flammability, non toxic, reduced petroleum imports, low sulphur content,domestic production and oxygenating potentials [15,16,17].This study sought to chemically characterise the bioethanol produced from J. curcas seeds cultivasted in Sokoto State North Western Nigeria
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