ABSTRACT

As an alternative to fossil fuels, ethanol produced from biomass has unique environmental and economic benefits and can be considered as a safe and cleanest liquid fuel. This research studied the production of ethanol from yam peels using microorganisms (Penicillium citrinum and Penicillium chrysogenum) as sources of enzymes for hydrolysis at various sterilization time. (2.75±0.25, 3.25±0.25, 4.25±0.25, 5.5±0.5, 7.0±0) were the % glucose of P. cit after hydrolysis at a sterilization time of (20, 40, 60, 80, & 100) minutes respectively. This fermented to give ethanol conc. of (8.69±0.055, 16.64±0.262, 21.68±0.252, 27.20±0.119, & 31.65±0.328)% at a sterilization time of (20, 40, 60, 80, & 100) minutes respectively. (2.75±0.25, 3.0±0, 3.1±1.10, 6±0, 7.0±0.05) were the % glucose of P. chry after hydrolysis at a sterilization time of (20, 40, 60, 80, & 100) minutes respectively. This fermented to give ethanol concentration of (5.44±0.075, 7.32±0.052, 15.80±0.075, 22.76±0.160, & 25.39±0.806)% at a sterilization time of (20, 40, 60, 80, & 100) minutes respectively. (8.69, 5.44, and 0.23)% were the highest yield of ethanol for P.cit, P.chry, and Control respectively at sterilization time of 20 minutes. (31.65, 25.39, & 3.41)% were the highest yield of ethanol for P.cit, P.chry, & Control respectively at sterilization time of 100 minutes. P. cit was the best performed enzyme for the hydrolysis of yam peels. The ethanol yield of the control was comparatively low due to incomplete hydrolysis of starch due to absence of fungi.