Abstract:
This research work investigated the evaluation of Plantain post-harvested biomass as feedstock for bio-ethanol and bio-oil production.The biomass were made up of lignocellulosic contents such as extractive, Lignin, cellulose, hemicelluloses, ash and moisture content in different proportions.The different parts of the biomass such as the flower, stem and leaves were hydrolyzed using H2SO4 at the optimum condition of acid concentration (6% w/v), contact time (90 min), temperature (80 OC) for Plantain stem and flower). However, Plantain leaves was attained at optimum condition of acid concentration (10% w/v), contact time (120 min) and temperature (120 OC) respectively. The best yield of bio-ethanol produced was from Plantain stem biomass with 8.04% followed by Plantain flower 7.73% and Plantain leaves with 7.57% respectively. The best yield for the bio-oil was from Plantain leaves biomass with 2.73% followed by Plantain stem with 2.63% and Plantain flower with 2.43% respectively. The hydrolyzed biomass were fermented using Baker's yeast (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae) at room temperature and pH 4.5 for 5 days. GS-MS and FT-IR analysis were used for characterization. GC-MS analysis, results obtained revealed the essential chemical compounds which could be employed as wood preservatives. FT-IR results and fuel properties were consistent with that of the conventional ethanol. SEM analysis was also carried out on the Pre and Post hydrolyzed biomass. The Pre-hydrolyzed biomass possessed amorphous regions, stone-like pattern which revealed the lignin content were not yet hydrolyzed, whereas the Post hydrolyzed biomass all posseessed short stranded scattered regions which revealed the effect of the acid hydrolysis on the biomass samples. This study has shown that Plantain biomass is a viable feedstock for Bio-ethanol and Bio-oil production.
