Comprehensive characterization of indigenous lignocellulosic biomass from Northeast India for biofuel production

Abstract

In this study, 18 species of lignocellulosic biomass from Northeast India have been explored to utilize as new feedstock for biofuel production. The biomass sample were examined and characterized proximately and taxonomically for their energy content. The possibility of this lignocellulosic biomass in biofuel production was addressed. A well-documented herbarium specimen based on the morphological features clearly indicating systematic taxon was maintained. The ecological survey and distribution of the plants were applied and found three families, namely poaceae, cyperaceae and typhaceae. Taxonomical ranks were assigned to the collected biomass. Energy content in the form of higher heating value was calculated. The calorific value (MJ/kg) ranged from 7.507 to 14.969 MJ/kg. Our findings show that moisture content was highest in biomass sample Cyrtococcum oxyphyllum (12.55 ± 0.21) and lowest in Chrysopogon aciculatus (7.51 ± 0.25). Volatile matter content of biomass varies in the interval of 77.88 ± 0.20%–86.51 ± 0.27%. Ash content was very less (below 5%) for the biomass such as Cymbopogon longifolium (4.51 ± 0.26%), Saccharum sponteneum (4.58 ± 0.25%) and Cyrtococcum oxyphyllum (4.70 ± 0.10%). Dichanthium assimile (Steud.) Deshp. shows the highest cellulose (40.57%) composition than other species. Minimum cellulose percentage was found in biomass Setaria glauca (24.9%). In overall, this lignocellulosic biomass can be utilized to produce biofuel as they contained a high percentage of cellulose and hemicellulose with less lignin.