TITLE:
Evaluation of Plantain Biomass (Musa paradisiaca L.), as Feedstock for Bio-Ethanol Production
AUTHORS:
Helen Olayinka Ogunsuyi, Christiana Aanu Olawale
KEYWORDS:
Plantain Biomass, Bio-Ethanol, Lignocellulosic Contents, Fermentation
JOURNAL NAME:
Green and Sustainable Chemistry,
Vol.11 No.2,
March
29,
2021
ABSTRACT: This study investigated the viability of post-harvested plantain biomass as a promising feedstock
for the production of Bioethanol. The properties of the derived bio-ethanol were determined to examine its suitability as a
promising and sustainable alternative to petroleum-based ethanol The research revealed that Plantain biomass is made up of Lignocellulosic
contents such as extractive, Lignin, cellulose, hemicelluloses, ash and
moisture in different proportions. The different parts of the biomass such as the
flower, stem and leaves were hydrolyzed using H2SO4.
Optimum hydrolysis conditions of 6%w/v
acid concentration, 30 min
contact time and 80°C working temperature were established for Plantain stem and flower. However, hydrolysis of
Plantain leaves was at the best under the experimental conditions of acid
concentration (10% w/v), contact time (120 min) and temperature (120°C). The highest yield of the bio-ethanol produced
was obtained from Plantain stem biomass with a record of 8.04% followed by
Plantain flower with a yield of 7.73% and 757% from Plantain leaves The
hydrolyzate was fermented using Baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) at a
room temperature of 25°C and pH of 4.5 for 4 D.
The structural determination of the derived bioethanol was conducted using
FT-IR analysis and the fuel properties were found to be consistent with those
of the conventional ethanol. The SEM analysis conducted on the post hydrolysed
biomass confirmed the effectiveness of the hydrolysis scheme adopted as evident
on the surface morphology of the biomass. This study confirmed the viability of
Plantain biomass as promising feedstock for Bio-ethanol production under the
established hydrolysis conditions.