Some Challenges in Bioethanol Production from Bagasse: Insights from a Preliminary Test Run
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.38032/scse.2025.3.146Keywords:
Bioethanol, Bagasse Utilization, NMR, FTIR, GCAbstract
This study presents bioethanol production process from bagasse using Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF), utilizing alkaline pretreatment methods and enzymatic hydrolysis techniques, showcasing a practical and cost-effective approach suitable for regions with limited laboratory facilities. To confirm ethanol production, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Gas Chromatography (GC) analyses were employed to determine the feasibility of the process and specific areas requiring optimization. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) analysis confirmed signals for methyl (-CH₃) protons and a broad peak for methylene (-CH₂) protons near a hydroxyl group from the fermented broth, providing insight into the bioethanol produced. Additionally, carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (¹³C-NMR) analysis corroborated these findings by detecting carbon signals corresponding to methyl and methylene carbons, further validating the bioethanol structure. Complementary FTIR spectroscopy identified characteristic peaks for hydroxyl (O-H stretching) and C-H bending vibrations, which are typical of alcohols, further validating the presence of ethanol. GC analysis revealed an ethanol concentration of 89.2 mg/L, achieved through saccharification at 35˚C for 90 h and fermentation at 37˚C for 96 h, and the setup maintained optimal conditions within 35-37˚C for microbial activity using standard laboratory incubation equipment. Notably, the analyses were performed on the fermented broth without prior distillation, providing direct insights into ethanol presence and concentration. While the ethanol yield was relatively low due to high water content, the methodology is promising for effective bioethanol production. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of converting bagasse into bioethanol, contributing to renewable energy development and agricultural waste utilization, and highlights areas for refinement to improve yields in future research.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Sameya Afrin July, Adnan Abedeen, A. N. M. Mizanur Rahman (Author)
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