Abstract

SOUZA, Ozair et al. Alternative energy from biomass: bioethanol from banana pulp and peels. Rev. bras. eng. agríc. ambient. [online]. 2012, vol.16, n.8, pp. 915-921. ISSN 1415-4366.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1415-43662012000800015.

The conversion of agroindustrial biomasses in bioethanol with consequent enrichment of wastes has been the object of various research projects conducted in Brazil and around the world. This study evaluated the potential of the Musa cavendishii banana pulp and peels using in natural state and also waste previously hydrolyzed by acid and enzimes, as substrate of alcoholic fermentation. The mean bioethanol yields (on wet biomass base), obtained with the pulp (0.48 ± 0.05 g g^-1) and with the peels (0.34 ± 0.11 g g^-1), both in natural state, enabled a conversion process efficiency to the order of 95% of theoretical yield. Maximum value reached in bioethanol was 3.0 ± 0.7 g L^-1 h^-1 with pulp and 1.32 ± 0.03 g L^-1 h^-1 with peels. Under the evaluated operating conditions, the pre-treatment of wastes with sulfuric acid is not recommended for bioethanol production.

Keywords : bioalcohol; biofuels; agricultural waste.