OPTIMIZATION OF DILUTE ACID PRETREATMENT USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY FOR BIOETHANOL PRODUCTION FROM CELLULOSIC BIOMASS OF RICE POLISH

Abstract

Lignocellulosic biomass is abundant and a renewable resource for the production of biofuel (bioethanol) by using fermentative organisms (Sacchromyces cervesiae & Fusarium oxysporum). Rice polish is a cheaper agro-waste for bioethanol production. The conversion of biomass into maximum yield of glucose, an important step for the bioethanol production, requires optimum dilute acid treatment. Inhibitory compounds reduce the ethanol production; therefore an attempt has been made in the present study to select suitable dilution by using Response surface methodology (RSM) design and to minimize the effects of inhibitory compounds during sulphuric acid (H2SO4) dilution. The treatment of biomass with H2SO4 (1.5%) at 100°C for 30 minutes exhibited optimum results. During enzymatic hydrolysis 16.52 mg/mL glucose was obtained by using 1 mL of enzymatic load at 50o C after 72 hours of hydrolysis. The Glucose thereafter converted to 5.21g/L and 3.69 g/L of ethanol during fermentation process by using Sacchromyces cervesiae and Fusarium oxysporum respectively.