Effect of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) Pulp Syrup Supplementation on the Production of Bioethanol from Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) Molasses at Different Temperatures and pH

Abstract

Alternative sources of environmentally friendly energy source such as biofuels are been explored with the aim of reducing environmental  pollution and cope with the growing energy demand. Bioethanol was produced from sugarcane molasses using tamarind  supplements at different pH and temperatures. The volatile profile of the bioethanol produced was evaluated using Gas  chromatography and mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Bioethanol was produced from sugarcane molasses hydrolyzed using tamarind pulp  syrup (TPS) and distilled water (DW) at different temperatures (26-30 oC) and pH (4.5-6.5) and utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae for  fermentation. The results showed a significant increase in reducing sugar yield, bioethanol yield/quantity, and bioethanol volatility for the  bioethanol produced using TPS hydrolysis compared to those produced using DW (p<0.05). The suitable temperature and pH for the  production of the maximum amount of reducing sugar and bioethanol were 28 oC and 5.5 respectively. The volatility of the bioethanol  produced was highest at a temperature of 28 oC and a pH of 5.5. The density of bioethanol obtained using TPS (0.797 g/cm3) was close to  the standard density of bioethanol (0.789 g/cm3). Conclusively, TPS was found to enhance bioethanol production from sugarcane  molasses through fermentation. This suggests that it could serve as an alternative hydrolyzer for the production of biofuel.