Development of a novel sequential pretreatment strategy for the production of bioethanol from coconut pulp residue

Abstract

Coconut pulp residues waste generated after extraction of milk or oil. These wastes end up as feed to animals, fertilizers and firewood/cooking fuel whilst large quantities often left to rot in the field, which causes cause pollution, waste disposal problems and increase handling cost for farmers. In order to alleviate this problem, coconut pulp residue was used as feedstock for bioethanol production. However, improvements on pretreatment are necessary to produce higher sugar concentration prior to fermentation. Bioethanol production from coconut pure pulp residue (PPR) and combined pulp residue (CPRS) was investigated. The results showing 40 minutes’ pre-hydrothermal treatment time and 2% mild sulphuric acid for PPR and 20 minutes’ hydrothermal treatment time and 2% mild sulphuric acid for CPRS.