Evaluation of Plantain Biomass (<i>Musa paradisiaca</i>L.), as Feedstock for Bio-Ethanol Production

This study investigated the viability of post-harvested plantain biomass as a promising feedstock for the production of Bioethanol. The properties of the derived bio-ethanol were determined to examine its suitability as a promising and sustainable alternative to petroleum-based ethanol The research revealed that Plantain biomass is made up of Lignocellulosic contents such as extractive, Lignin, cellulose, hemicelluloses, ash and moisture in different proportions. The different parts of the biomass such as the flower, stem and leaves were hydrolyzed using H2SO4. Optimum hydrolysis conditions of 6%w/v acid concentration, 30 min contact time and 80°C working temperature were established for Plantain stem and flower. However, hydrolysis of Plantain leaves was at the best under the experimental conditions of acid concentration (10% w/v), contact time (120 min) and temperature (120°C). The highest yield of the bio-ethanol produced was obtained from Plantain stem biomass with a record of 8.04% followed by Plantain flower with a yield of 7.73% and 757% from Plantain leaves The hydrolyzate was fermented using Baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) at a room temperature of 25°C and pH of 4.5 for 4 D. The structural determination of the derived bioethanol was conducted using FT-IR analysis and the fuel properties were found to be consistent with those of the conventional ethanol. The SEM analysis conducted on the post hydrolysed biomass confirmed the effectiveness of the hydrolysis scheme adopted as evident on the surface morphology of the biomass. This study confirmed the viability of Plantain biomass as promising feedstock for Bio-ethanol production under the established hydrolysis conditions.