Optimization of Fermentable Sugar Production from Lignocellulosic Biomass (Elephant Grass) Using Alkaline Pretreatment

Abstract

Energy sources and supply in Nigeria and the world at large is a significant issue of concern, ranging from its shortage or low availability to its environmental effects. Advances have been made in obtaining a more environmentally friendly source of fuel which would be helpful for various domestic, industrial and commercial purposes. This research takes a shift from the regular usage of food crops and regular bioethanol fuel, holding to the fact that continuous usage of food crops tends to bring about a shortage of food crops and a high purchase cost. The research tends to evaluate the production of fermentable sugar obtained from simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of Elephant grass with glucose supplementation. The optimum alkaline pretreatment condition was analyzed using the response surface methodology (RSM). It was found to be at a temperature of 65.832°C, a timing of 40 minutes and an alkaline concentration of 0.302M NaOH, which gave a sugar concentration yield of 564.282 mg/l. Enzymatic hydrolysis was performed, and cellulase was the enzyme of choice. Within the first 24 hours after hydrolysis, there was an overall increase of 15% in the total sugars. Because of the findings of this research, it is possible to conclude that elephant grass is an excellent and environmentally friendly feedstock option for the production of fermentable sugar.