PRODUCTION OF BIOETHANOL FROM ELEPHANT GRASS (Pennisetum purpureum) STEM

📄 Project Abstract

The production of bio-ethanol from Elephant grass (Pennisetun purpureum) stem was carried out using elephant grass stem as a feedstock and a combination of Aspergillus niger at 0.2%(w/v) 0.4%(w/v), 0.6%(w/v), 0.8%(w/v) and 1%(w/v) concentrations and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (brewer's yeast) at 0.5% (w/v), 1%(w/v), 1.5%(w/v), 2%(w/v) and 2.5%(w/v) concentrations as cells by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). The study determined the most suitable pre-treatment method from the following pretreatment methods; 1M H2SO4, 0.1M H2SO4, 1M NaOH, 0.2M NaOH, Boiling, and 3M NH4OH. IM NaOH pre-treatment gave the highest cellulose and lowest lignin content. The effects of temperature at 25oC, 30oC, 35oC, 40oC and 45oC; pH values of 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0 and 6.5; substrate concentration values of 1%(w/v), 2%(w/v), 3%(w/v), 4%(w/v) and 5%(w/v); particle size range of 53-106m, 106-150m, 150-250m, 250-300m and 300-425m; and cell loading combination of Aspergillus niger at 0.2%...