Potential of giant reed (Arundo donax L.) for second generation ethanol production

Claudia Fernanda Lemons E Silva,Nei Pereira,Roberto Nobuyuki Maeda,Manoel Artigas Schirmer,Carolina Araújo Barcelos

doi:10.1016/j.ejbt.2014.11.002

Abstract

The production of second generation ethanol from lignocellulosic biomasses that have not had their potential fully explored as feedstock is of great importance. Arundo donax is one these biomasses. It is a promising grassy plant to be used as a renewable resource for the production of fuels and chemicals, because of its fast growth rate, ability to grow in different soil types and climatic conditions. The present study evaluated its use as feedstock for the production of second generation ethanol. Initially its chemical characterization was carried out, and a protocol for fractioning the biomass through diluted acid pretreatment followed by alkaline pretreatment was developed, providing a solid fraction which was undergone to enzymatic hydrolysis reaching 42 g/L of glucose, obtained in 30 h of enzymatic hydrolysis. This partially delignified material was subjected to a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process, resulting in an ethanol concentration of 39 g/L at 70 h. The fermentability of the pretreated biomass was performed successfully through the conception of simultaneous saccharification and fermentation resulting in approximately 75 L of ethanol per ton of cellulose.

Highlights

Energy crops are plants which are produced with the purpose of using their biomass energetically and at the same time reduce carbon dioxide emission [1]
The lignocellulosic materials have been object of intensive researches all over the world because they are renewable feedstocks of carbon and energy available in great quantities in many countries, which will probably lead to significant realignments in key sectors of these countries' economies
The production of second generation ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass that has not had their potential fully explored is of great importance

Summary

Introduction

Energy crops are plants which are produced with the purpose of using their biomass energetically and at the same time reduce carbon dioxide emission [1]. The common name of Arundo donax L., is one of the most promising crops for energy production because its fast growth rate, ability to grow in different soil types and climatic conditions, durable yields, and resistance to long drought period [2]. A. donax is a perennial rhizomatous grass native from Asia, found growing spontaneously in various regions in many countries, as Portugal, Spain and Brazil It belongs to the Poaceae family and is considered one of the largest Gramineae, reaching from 2 to 8 m in height. Results: Initially its chemical characterization was carried out, and a protocol for fractioning the biomass through diluted acid pretreatment followed by alkaline pretreatment was developed, providing a solid fraction which was undergone to enzymatic hydrolysis reaching 42 g/L of glucose, obtained in 30 h of enzymatic hydrolysis This partially delignified material was subjected to a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process, resulting in an ethanol concentration of 39 g/L at 70 h. Conclusions: The fermentability of the pretreated biomass was performed successfully through the conception of simultaneous saccharification and fermentation resulting in approximately 75 L of ethanol per ton of cellulose

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion