Juice Ethanol Research Articles

Exploratory studies of ethanol drinking in the white-tufted marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

The white-tufted marmoset is a small, nonhuman primate that is rapidly gaining popularity as a model organism, especially for neuroscience research. To date, little work in the alcohol research field has utilized the marmoset. As a step toward establishing the marmoset as a research model for alcohol experimentation, a series of exploratory studies were undertaken to characterize ethanol drinking behavior. A voluntary drinking paradigm was established whereby the common marmoset would consume pharmacologically relevant amounts of ethanol. To facilitate ethanol consumption, ethanol was mixed with a marshmallow flavored solution (hereafter called marshmallow juice) to mask the presumed adverse taste of ethanol. Using marshmallow juice flavored solutions, marmosets readily consumed ethanol up to 1 g/kg during 10 min binge-like drinking sessions or up to 5 g/kg during ∼4 h drinking sessions. Consumption of 1.0–1.5 g/kg during a 30 min session resulted in blood ethanol concentrations of 49–73 mg/dl, which are predicted to be pharmacologically relevant. In animals that were stably consuming ethanol in marshmallow juice, gradually reducing the concentration of the marshmallow juice flavoring resulted in markedly reduced ethanol consumption. Lastly, when offered a choice between ethanol in marshmallow juice and marshmallow juice alone, marmosets displayed a very strong preference for the marshmallow juice solution without ethanol. From these studies, it is concluded that marmosets will voluntarily consume ethanol if the taste is masked with a sweet solution such as marshmallow juice. These studies represent the first report of alcohol consumption and preference in the white-tufted marmoset.

Bioactive phytochemicals in Annona muricata fruit juice ethanol extract

Phytochemical contents of Annona muricata fruit juice ethanol extract was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Lyophilized fruit juices were extracted in 10 % v/v aqueous solution of ethanol at 60 0C in a water bath. The GC-MS screening of the extract revealed the concentrations (mg/ml) of thirty-three (33) phytochemicals which included glycerine (9.12), levoglucosenone (5.18), 1,3-propanediol-2-(hydroxymethyl)-2-nitrobenzene (11.83) and D- allose (7.28), benzofuran-2,3-diydro-(1.87), 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol (1.52), Cis-11,14-Eicosadienoic acid, methyl ester (1.53), 9-Octadecenoic acid, methyl ester (1.68), 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol (1.69), which are reported to exhibit various biological activities. The HPLC analyses of the extract revealed various polyphenolic compounds (mg/ml) such as naringenin (12.97), proanthocyanin (0.23), tannin (44.17), coumaric acid (4.12), catechin (39.20), resveratrol (42.27) and kaempferol (29.86). which also possess various health benefits like antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimutagenic, antioxidant, antitumor, and others. It can be concluded that the Annona muricata fruit juice ethanol extract contained bioactive phytochemicals that exhibit promising health-promoting activities.

Evaluation of Bioethanol Yield Potential of Different Sweet Sorghum Cultivars Grown as a Second Crop Under Eastern Mediterranean Conditions

Sweet sorghum has a high potential for bioethanol production due to its high fermentable sugar content and biomass yield. This research was carried out to evaluate bioethanol yield potential of six sweet sorghum cultivars (ICSV 93046, ICSV 700, Black Amber, White African, Gülşeker, and Red’s Red) during summer growing season of 2022 under eastern Mediterranean conditions. Cultivars were significantly differed for brix degree, green herbage yield, juice yield, and juice ethanol yields in the study. ICSV 93046 produced the significantly highest fresh stem yield (58811 kg/ha), juice yield (16105 kg/ha), and juice ethanol yield (1194 L/ha) and followed by ICSV 700. On the other hand, the significantly lowest brix degree (10.5 ◦ Bx) and juice ethanol yield (322 L/ha) were achieved by Gülşeker. These results suggested that ICSV 93046 was the most suitable cultivar to be grown as a second crop for bioethanol production under eastern Mediterranean conditions.

Enhancing energy potential of sweet sorghum by biomass ash compost in the context of climate change and agroecosystem

Recycling renewable energy waste, nutrient-rich biomass ash, via composting for biofuel crop fertilization is feasible for integrating waste and crop production to close the nutrient loop and mitigate greenhouse gaseous emissions. The primary purpose of the present study was to investigate the nutrient-rich compost on energy crop production, energy yield, and carbon input to the soil via the root under two different agroclimatic conditions. Compost treatments exhibited superior biomass growth in both sweet sorghum cultivars landrace and Gulseker in both regions. The effect was more potent in the temperate region (Sakarya) due to evenly precipitation during the entire plant growth period. On the other hand, biomass ash compost treatments induced higher Brix values in a region with high solar energy and hot and dry (Bitlis). However, the maximum juice yield (2387 L ha−1) and juice ethanol yield (1583 L ha−1) were obtained from the Sakarya region with cultivar Gulseker due to its high cane yield (68.76 t ha−1). The energy yield of sweet sorghum bagasse ranged from 92 to 282 GJ ha−1, and the maximum value was obtained from compost treatment in Sakarya regions. Compost also promoted an increase in the carbon content of root tissue, and sweet sorghum can bind around 1250 kg ha−1 recalcitrant forms of carbon to the soil via root tissue. Overall results indicate beneficial effects of compost on plant growth, biomass fuel, and root carbon storage in the soil, which could help waste management and agriculture together towards biofuel production with a more circular economy.

Effects of harvest time on bioethanol production and bagasse characteristics for combustion and forage in sweet sorghum

Determining the optimal harvest time is very crucial to achieve sustainable production of first-generation bioethanol as well as efficient use of its bagasse for combustion or feed in sweet sorghum. The aim of the current research was to understand the effects of different harvest times, which comprised flowering (FLW), soft dough (SD), hard dough (HD), and physiological maturity (PM) on the bioethanol production and the combustion and forage characteristics of its bagasse in sweet sorghum. In one study, averaged over a period of 2 years, the mean theoretical total ethanol yield (TEY) was between 4802 and 5316 L ha–1. The PM harvest produced the highest TEY, which was followed by the HD and SD harvests, with sligh differences. These results suggested that sweet sorghum should be harvested at any phenological stage after FLW to achieve sustainable total (juice + lignocellulosic) bioethanol production in a semi-arid Mediterranean environment. Averaged over a period of 2 years, the mean dry bagasse yield (DBY) achieved from the harvest times herein ranged between 12.0 and 14.1 t ha–1. As with TEY, the PM harvest exhibited the highest DBY and desirable bagasse combustion caharacteristics due to exhibiting the lowest moisture and ash contents, which indicated that it seemed be the most suitable harvest time if obtaining solid biofuel production from the bagasse is the main target after the production of juice ethanol. On the other hand, the HD harvest provided the highest bagasse forage quality among the harvest times due to exhibiting the significantly lowest neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber contents, but the significantly highest relative feed value. These results suggested that the HD harvest time was the most suitable for sweet sorghum cultivation when producing juice ethanol that is complemented by the production of forage utilizing the bagasse.

Effect of Low Pressure and Low Oxygen Treatments on Fruit Quality and the In Vivo Growth of Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium italicum in Oranges

Penicillium digitatum and P. italicum are the major postharvest pathogens in citrus. To reduce postharvest decay, the use of low-oxygen (0.9 kPa O2) (LO) or low-pressure (6.6 kPa) (LP) treatments were evaluated during the storage of navel oranges for four or eight days. The results showed that exposure to both LO and LP treatments reduced in vivo pathogen growth compared to the untreated (UTC) oranges, with LO being the most effective. The effects of LO and LP on fruit metabolism and quality were further assessed, and it was found that there was no effect on fruit ethylene production, respiration rate, TSS (total soluble solids), TA (titratable acidity) or fruit firmness. However, both LO and LP treatments did have an effect on juice ethanol concentration and fruit weight-loss. The effect of adding exogenous ethylene at either LP (1 µL/L) or atmospheric pressure (AP) (at either 0.1, 1 µL/L) was also evaluated, and results showed that the addition of ethylene at these concentrations had no effect on mould diameter at LP or AP. Therefore, both LO of 0.9 kPa O2 and LP of 6.6 kPa at 20 °C are potential non-chemical postharvest treatments to reduce mould development during storage with minimal effects on fruit quality.

Technology valuation of cellulosic ethanol production by Kluyveromyces marxianus CCT 7735 from sweet sorghum bagasse at elevated temperatures

Technology valuation of cellulosic ethanol production by Kluyveromyces marxianus CCT 7735 based on the concepts of circular economy was investigated. After an acid-base pretreatment followed by saccharification at 50 °C for 72 h, the sweet sorghum hydrolysate was used to produce ethanol at three temperatures: 37, 42, and 45 °C. About 17.83 g/L of cellulosic ethanol was reached at 42 °C in 24 h, with a yield of 2769.8 L/hasorghum, almost double that obtained for corn straw. This was the best cellulosic ethanol production from sweet sorghum bagasse achieved by K. marxianus strain and, therefore, it was used in the technology valuation. This analysis was carried out through the application of the profit equation, in which the revenue corresponded to ethanol sales in the global market in 2020, and the costs were defined by the activity-based costing method. An integration between 1G and 2G ethanol production, without mixing material streams, was considered to improve the technology valuation analysis. As a result, the equivalent to 17.2% of the profit obtained with the sugarcane juice ethanol was achieved for the sweet sorghum bagasse. Therefore, the technology valuation indicated the potential of sweet sorghum bagasse in the biorefinery ethanol production.

Assessing Ethanol Yield from Fermented Juice of Local and Exotic Sweet Sorghum Varieties Grown in Sudan

An experiment was conducted in 2017 at Alwaha Project, Khartoum State to study the potential of ethanol yield from fermented juice of local and exotic sweet sorghums. 40 genotypes were arranged in RCB design. Juice yield, ethanol yield as percentage of fermented juice, actual and theoretical ethanol yields were studied. The Baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) was used in the fermentation process. ANOVA tests, correlation and regression analysis of actual vs theoretical ethanol yield were performed. Significant differences were detected among genotypes for ethanol yields. High ethanol yields as percentage from fermented juice were obtained, but ethanol yield per hectare was relatively low due to low juice yields. The genotypes BlueRibbon and KensasCollies from exotic materials; 5AbjSG51 and S.154 Ab70 from local materials were identified as promising for ethanol production. Correlation between actual ethanol yield and Juice yield was positive and highly significant. Regression analysis indicated that theoretical ethanol yield was little bit overestimated. It was concluded that juice yield is more crucial than ethanol concentration in maximizing ethanol yield of sweet sorghum. More efforts are needed to develop high juice-yielding genotypes. Juice maximization can also be achieved by using efficient milling devices and optimizing cultural practices.

Evaluation of Bioethanol Production from Sweet Sorghum Variety Roger under Different Tillage and Fertilizer Treatments

Sweet sorghum Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a promising crop for bioethanol production characterized by its high biomass yield, sugar-rich stalks, facile juice extraction, and ability to adapt to different production systems. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of cultivation practices (soil treatments) on the juice, sugar, and ethanol yields of sweet sorghum variety Roger. Three methods of tillage (minimum, traditional, and traditional tillage with rupture of the plow layer) and three types of fertilizers (inorganic, organic, and without fertilizer) were assayed. The best results of stem yield (44.3 tons/ha), juice production (25.6 m3/ha), concentration of soluble solids in the juice (16.9 °Brix), and juice ethanol yield (2.1 m3/ha) were obtained under a mixture of traditional plowing with plow layer breaking, applying an organic fertilizer. In addition, the extracted juice allowed yeast (industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae PE-2) growth and conversion to ethanol without the need for nutrients supplementation. Therefore, sweet sorghum continues to be an interesting bioenergetic crop for production of first-generation biofuels.

Nano- and Micro- Carnauba Wax Emulsions versus Shellac Protective Coatings on Postharvest Citrus Quality

Coatings are generally applied to fruit as microemulsions, but nanoemulsions are still experimental. ‘Nova’ mandarins (Citrus reticulata) were coated with shellac or carnauba (Copernica cerifera) microemulsions or an experimental carnauba nanoemulsion; these were compared with an uncoated control during storage for 7 days at 20 °C. Coatings were also tested on ‘Unique’ tangors (C. reticulata × C. sinensis) stored for 14 days at 10 °C followed by a simulated marketing period of 7 days at 20 °C. Fruit quality evaluations included weight loss, gloss, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), pH, SS/TA ratio, internal CO2, O2, fruit juice ethanol, and other aroma volatile content. Sensory visual shine and tangerine (C. reticulata) flavor rank tests after storage were conducted, followed by an off-flavor rating. The carnauba waxes resulted in less weight loss compared with the uncoated control and shellac coating during both experiments. There were no differences in gloss measurements of ‘Nova’ mandarins; however, shellac-coated fruit ranked highest for shine in a sensory test. For ‘Unique’ tangors, initially, shellac showed the highest gloss (shine) measurement; however, at the end of storage, the nanoemulsion exhibited the highest gloss, although it was not different from that of the microemulsion. Similarly, after storage, the nanoemulsion ranked highest for visual shine, although it was not different from that of the microemulsion. There were only minor differences in SS, TA, pH, and SS/TA among treatments. The internal CO2 gas concentration and juice ethanol content generally increased and internal O2 decreased during storage. The highest levels of CO2 and ethanol were found for the shellac treatment, as was the lowest O2, indicating anaerobic respiration. There were only minor differences among the other coating treatments; however, they were only sometimes different from those of the control, which generally had the highest O2, lowest CO2, and lowest ethanol. Shellac and the carnauba microemulsion also altered the volatile profile more than the control and the nanoemulsion did, especially for ‘Unique’ tangors. For ‘Unique’ tangors, the control and nanoemulsion ranked highest for tangerine flavor and had the least off-flavor at the end of storage. Among the coatings tested, the carnauba emulsions demonstrated less water loss, imparted more sustainable gloss, and caused less ethanol production than shellac, with the nanoemulsion exhibiting higher gloss measurements, less modifications of the atmosphere and volatile profile, and, consequently, better flavor compared with the microemulsion.

Evaluation of different sweet sorghum cultivars for bioethanol yield potential and bagasse combustion characteristics in a semiarid Mediterranean environment

Sweet sorghum is a promising bioenergy crop that has great potential for bioethanol production due to its wide adaptability, high sugar yield, and drought tolerance. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the bioethanol yield potential and bagasse combustion characteristics of 13 sweet sorghum cultivars in a semiarid Mediterranean environment. The results showed that M81-E was the most promising cultivar for whole-crop bioethanol production due to it having the highest total ethanol yield, at 6885 L ha−1. Dale exhibited the highest juice ethanol yield (1764 L ha−1), with the lowest lignin (8.9%) and ash (2.31%) contents. The bagasse moisture contents of the cultivars were quite high, which varied between 66.61% and 70.51%, indicating that the bagasse must be dried before it is used as a feedstock for direct combustion. In this context, M81-E and Top76-6 were less suitable for solid biofuel production from their bagasse, because their comparatively long growth cycle did not allow for the open-air drying that was required to decrease the moisture content to an optimal level at a low cost. On the other hand, Umbrella was a promising cultivar in the study, because it achieved the highest dry bagasse yield (16.5 t ha−1) and a total ethanol yield (6350 L ha−1) comparable to that of Dale. These results suggested that sweet sorghum had a high potential for bioethanol production in a semiarid Mediterranean environment, but cultivation of the most suitable cultivars is the first step to ensure sustainability.

Nitrogen Content and Use Efficiency of Sweet Sorghum Grown in the Lower Midwest

Optimizing N fertilizer inputs is imperative for improving sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] yields and biofuel feedstock system efficiency. A 2‐yr study was conducted to determine the physiological N‐use efficiency (NUE) response in sweet sorghum's ethanol yield of stem juice, bagasse, and total ethanol yield (TEY). Two sweet sorghum cultivars (‘Dale’ and ‘Top 76–6’) were fertilized at five N fertilizer rates (0, 56, 112, 168, and 224 kg ha−1). At harvest, the stem juice and bagasse yields were measured then analyzed for the corresponding N concentrations and N contents. Whole‐plant N recovery efficiency ranged from −1.5 to 57.6% across both years, with a significant N rate effect only in one study year. The NUE of juice ethanol yield only demonstrated an N response in the second year, whereas the NUE of lignocellulosic ethanol yield was greatest at the 56 kg ha−1 fertilizer rate each year. The NUE of total theoretical ethanol yield, determined as the sum of juice and bagasse conversion to ethanol, averaged 169 L EtOH kg−1 N across both years and was greatest at the 56 kg N ha−1 fertilizer rate in both years, and decreased at N rates exceeding 56 kg ha−1 in only one of the years. This study revealed that although sweet sorghum ethanol yields increased with N fertilizer application, NUE was greatest with low N fertilizer rates, consistent with previous research indicating that sweet sorghum is an appropriate biofuel feedstock for production in low‐input systems or on marginal lands.Core Ideas Nitrogen recovery and use efficiencies of sweet sorghum juice and bagasse were measured for two years in Missouri. Nitrogen recovery efficiency was greatest in one study year when 224 kg N ha−1 was applied, with no differences in recovery in the second year. The N use efficiency of estimated total ethanol yield was greatest at 56 kg N ha−1.

Pretreatment of Sweet Sorghum Bagasse for Ethanol Production Using Na2CO3 Obtained by NaOH Absorption of CO2 Generated in Sweet Sorghum Juice Ethanol Fermentation

(1) Background: Commercial production of fuel ethanol currently uses sugarcane and corn as feedstocks. Attempts to develop other renewable feedstocks that are more abundant have led to lignocellulosic biomass, which requires pretreatment prior to enzymatic hydrolysis to generate fermentable sugars. One of the largest cost components of pretreatment is chemical cost. Ethanol fermentation also produces large quantities of CO2 as a co-product contributing to global warming. (2) Methods: Sweet sorghum has emerged as a potential new feedstock for ethanol production. In the present study, the CO2 produced in sweet sorghum juice (SSJ) fermentation was captured by absorption in 5 M NaOH. The resultant Na2CO3 solution was used for pretreatment of sweet sorghum bagasse (SSB), which is the solid residue in SSJ extraction. The pretreated SSB was fermented in SSJ to produce additional ethanol. (3) Results: CO2 absorption efficiency of 92.0% was observed. Pretreatment of SSB by the obtained Na2CO3 solution resulted in no loss of glucan and only 8.1 wt% loss of xylan. Ethanol yield from glucan in the pretreated SSB was 81.7% theoretical. (4) Conclusions: CO2 from SSJ fermentation captured as Na2CO3 could be used for efficient SSB pretreatment. Further study focusing on pretreatment process optimization is needed.

Crop Factors Influencing Ethanol Production from Sorghum Juice and Bagasse

This study investigated the effects of two soil moisture levels (SM) (30% and 70% soil available water) and three harvests (90 days, 118 days, and 151 days after seeding) on sweet (S506) and fiber (B133) sorghum genotypes under rain-sheltered conditions. Juice and bagasse-derived ethanol and their sum (EtOHBJ, EtOHB, and EtOHJ+B, respectively) were assessed. Water use efficiency (WUE) was determined for sorghum dry weight (DW) and EtOHJ+B. S506 had similar DW, but higher sugar content than B133, resulting in higher EtOHJ (+32%) and EtOHJ+B (+9%). High SM-enhanced DW, juice and sugars content, determining a strong EtOHJ+B increase (+99% vs. low SM). Late harvest enhanced DW and EtOHJ+B (+107% vs. early harvest), despite decreasing extractives and increasing structural fiber components. Water use efficiency of EtOHJ+B improved with high vs. low SM, although differences faded in late harvest. Upscale of EtOHJ+B and WUE data indicated a range of 21,000–82,000 ha of sorghum cultivation and 60–117 Mm3 of irrigation water, as amounts of resources needed to supply an 85,000 m3·yr−1 bio-ethanol plant. This large variation in land and water needs depended on specific combinations between crop factors SM and harvests.

Scenarios for bioethanol production in Indonesia: How can we meet mandatory blending targets?

This study investigates the potential of bioethanol production and fossil fuel substitution using sugarcane feedstock in Indonesia. Current production practices, government biofuel policies (esp. mandatory blending targets), and sugar self-sufficiency are simulated to project the total potential of fuel ethanol and land requirements in the timeframe between 2015 and 2025. At present conditions, 450 million liters bioethanol can be annually produced in Indonesia using sugarcane molasses, a low-value co-product. This gives only a marginal contribution equivalent to 1% of the total gasoline consumption in 2015. The study examines the ethanol production potential after domestic sugar self-sufficiency is achieved by 2020. In 2015, 0.71 Mha land were required for sugarcane cultivation in order to meet a 2% blend mandate i.e. 0.68 billion liters (BL) ethanol using only cane-molasses. Juice ethanol is needed to meet the blending targets set for 2020 (i.e., 4.45 BL ethanol) and 2025 (i.e., 11.48 BL ethanol). This translates into sugarcane feedstock obtained from 1.60 Mha to 2.76 Mha land, respectively. The study also evaluates how improved resource efficiency can be achieved, exploring the bioelectricity production potential from sugarcane biomass, improvements in yields, and modernization of sugarcane mills. The results highlight how the use of established technologies and production methods can help develop agro-industries in the sugar ethanol segment of Indonesia.

ANÁLISE ESTATÍSTICA PARAMÉTRICA DE FATORES DE OPERAÇÃO NO PROCESSO DE FERMENTAÇÃO PARA OBTENÇÃO DE CACHAÇA

Brazilian sugar cane spirit (cachaça) production is traditional among rural producers in Santo Antônio da Patrulha-RS-Brazil. In this work, in similar conditions used by the producers, the effect of different °Brix and nutrients concentration on sugar cane juice fermentation time and ethanol yield was tested. Sixteen experiments were executed, predicted in a statistical planning, in order to identify the effect of eight factors. The results indicate that the increase on manganese sulfate concentration and cornmeal amount, and also the zinc sulfate concentration increase in interaction effect with higher °Brix, cause increase in fermentation time. It was also observed that the ethanol yield was higher at lower °Brix and at higher triple superphosphate amount in interaction effect with higher °Brix. Ammonium sulfate and copper sulfate concentrations, and also rice bran amount had no significant influence on the process. The best parameters determined, at local conditions, to obtain the lowest fermentation time and higher ethanol yield are the following: 14°Brix, triple superphosphate 0.5 g/L, zinc sulfate 0.5 g/L, manganese sulfate 0.2 g/L, cornmeal 5 g/L. It is also indicated the maintenance of ammonium sulfate 0.5 g/L and rice bran 5 g/L.

Los efectos carcinogénicos del acetaldehído. Una visión actual

Acetaldehyde, associated with chronic consumption of alcoholic beverages and smoking, has recently been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen to humans. Microbes are responsible for the bulk of acetaldehyde production from ethanol both in saliva and gastric juice in Helicobacter pylori-infected and achlorhydria patients. Acetaldehyde is the most abundant carcinogen in tobacco smoke, and it readily dissolves in the saliva during smoking. Many foodstuffs and ‘non-alcoholic’ beverages are significant but unrecognised sources of local acetaldehyde exposure. The cumulative cancer risk associated with increasing acetaldehyde exposure suggests the need for worldwide screening of the acetaldehyde levels of alcoholic beverages, as well of the ethanol and acetaldehyde of food produced by fermentation. Risk groups with alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH)-and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene polymorphisms, H. pylori infection or achlorhydria atrophic gastritis, or both, should be screened and educated in this health issue. L-cysteine formulations binding carcinogenic acetaldehyde locally in the stomach provide new means for intervention studies.

Sweet sorghum ethanol yield component response to nitrogen fertilization

Increasing demand for high-yielding, alternative biofuel feedstocks elicits the need to fully understand sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) yield response to varying nitrogen (N) fertilization rates in the U.S. Midwest. The objective of this three-year study was to determine the optimum N fertilization rates for the production of two common sweet sorghum cultivars (Dale and Top 76-6) in central Missouri. Five N rates (0, 56, 112, 168, 224kgNha−1) were imposed and tested for their effects on dry matter yield, stem juice yield, Brix, fermentable sugar yield, theoretical juice ethanol yield, theoretical lignocellulosic ethanol yield, and total theoretical ethanol yield. Except for Brix, N treatment significantly influenced all yield parameters in all three years. The two varieties yielded similarly across most measured parameters. Total dry matter yields averaged 16.8Mgha−1, juice yields averaged 9113Lha−1, and fermentable sugar yields averaged 1055kgha−1 across years and varieties. Total ethanol yields averaged 7488Lha−1 and were highest at 168kgNha−1 across the three years, indicating that sweet sorghum in Missouri may reach maximum yields near that fertilization rate. Annual precipitation and temperature differences greatly influenced dry matter, stem juice, and sugar yields, thereby affecting theoretical ethanol yields, such that yields were lower in years with less rainfall and lower temperatures, which also limited the N response in these years.

Comparative Antimicrobrial Activity of Peel and Juice Extract of Citrus Fruits Growing in Kurdistan/Iraq

Citrus fruits is an important medicinal plant of the family Rutaceae. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of antimicrobial activity of peel and juice ethanol 80% extract were performed by agar well diffusion method, minimum inhibitory concentration value by microtiter broth dilution method against five gram positive and two gram negative bacteria, while minimum bactericidal concentration evaluated by plate cultures. The results of antibiotic susceptibility test indicated that all isolated bacterial strains showed sensitivity to chloramphenicol, azithromysin and norfloxacin. All used citrus fruits showed antimicrobial activity either alone or in combination of peel and juice extracts against isolated bacterial strain. From isolated bacterial strain Staphylococcus auricularis showed highest sensitivity against Citrus limon juice with inhibition zone (22mm), in combination with peel (35mm) and Citrus sinensis in combination form showed inhibition zone (19mm). Citrus limon juice alone and in combination with peel extract exhibit inhibitory activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria 100%. While Citrus sinensis in combination form showed activity only against gram positive bacteria 20%. On comparison of antimicrobial activity different citrus fruits the results showed that Citrus limon showed highest antimicrobial activity followed by Citrus reticulata, then Citrus paradisi and the lowest activity exhibited by Citrus sinensis.

Impact of cultivar selection and process optimization on ethanol yield from different varieties of sugarcane.

BackgroundThe development of ‘energycane’ varieties of sugarcane is underway, targeting the use of both sugar juice and bagasse for ethanol production. The current study evaluated a selection of such ‘energycane’ cultivars for the combined ethanol yields from juice and bagasse, by optimization of dilute acid pretreatment optimization of bagasse for sugar yields.MethodA central composite design under response surface methodology was used to investigate the effects of dilute acid pretreatment parameters followed by enzymatic hydrolysis on the combined sugar yield of bagasse samples. The pressed slurry generated from optimum pretreatment conditions (maximum combined sugar yield) was used as the substrate during batch and fed-batch simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) processes at different solid loadings and enzyme dosages, aiming to reach an ethanol concentration of at least 40 g/L.ResultsSignificant variations were observed in sugar yields (xylose, glucose and combined sugar yield) from pretreatment-hydrolysis of bagasse from different cultivars of sugarcane. Up to 33% difference in combined sugar yield between best performing varieties and industrial bagasse was observed at optimal pretreatment-hydrolysis conditions. Significant improvement in overall ethanol yield after SSF of the pretreated bagasse was also observed from the best performing varieties (84.5 to 85.6%) compared to industrial bagasse (74.5%). The ethanol concentration showed inverse correlation with lignin content and the ratio of xylose to arabinose, but it showed positive correlation with glucose yield from pretreatment-hydrolysis. The overall assessment of the cultivars showed greater improvement in the final ethanol concentration (26.9 to 33.9%) and combined ethanol yields per hectare (83 to 94%) for the best performing varieties with respect to industrial sugarcane.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the selection of sugarcane variety to optimize ethanol production from bagasse can be achieved without adversely affecting juice ethanol and cane yield, thus maintaining first generation ethanol production levels while maximizing second generation ethanol production.