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Enhanced fermentable sugar production from kitchen waste using various pretreatments
Halimatun Saadiah Hafid1, Nor'Aini Abdul Rahman2, Umi Kalsom Md Shah2
1Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Journal of Environmental Management
|April 23, 2015
Summary
This study optimized kitchen waste pretreatment for bioethanol production. A combination of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and glucoamylase yielded the highest fermentable sugars, making it a cost-effective feedstock for bioethanol.
Area of Science:
- Biomass Conversion
- Renewable Energy
- Waste Valorization
Background:
- Kitchen waste is rich in carbohydrates, a potential source for fermentable sugars.
- Efficient conversion of kitchen waste to bioethanol requires effective pretreatment methods.
- Current pretreatment techniques for kitchen waste often face challenges in yield and cost-effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate single and combined pretreatments of kitchen waste for fermentable sugar production.
- To determine the optimal combination of liquid hot water, hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and glucoamylase for maximizing sugar yield.
- To assess the economic viability of the most effective pretreatment method for bioethanol feedstock.
Main Methods:
- Kitchen waste was subjected to liquid hot water, mild acid (HCl, H2SO4), and enzymatic (glucoamylase) pretreatments, both individually and in combination.
- Fermentable sugar concentrations (glucose, sucrose, maltose, fructose) were quantified using analytical methods.
- Solubilization of kitchen waste and the formation of organic acids were analyzed.
- Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to analyze structural changes.
Main Results:
- The combination of 1.5% HCl and glucoamylase pretreatment yielded the highest total fermentable sugars (93.25 g/L), with glucose as the primary sugar (79% conversion).
- This optimal pretreatment achieved 40% solubilization of kitchen waste and produced significant concentrations of lactic, acetic, and propionic acids.
- FTIR analysis confirmed the hydrolysis of polysaccharides to fermentable sugars.
Conclusions:
- The combined pretreatment of 1.5% HCl and glucoamylase is highly effective for enhancing fermentable sugar production from kitchen waste.
- This method offers a cost-effective route for producing glucose, a key feedstock for bioethanol.
- The optimized pretreatment strategy presents a promising approach for sustainable bioethanol production from municipal solid waste.
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