Hybridization of Selected Nigerian Lignocellulosic Biomass Feedstocks for Bioethanol Production: Modeling and Optimization of Pretreatment and Fermentation Process Parameters Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

yam peels, rice husks, corn cobs, among others as an alternative source of fuel for automobiles is a positive development and is currently being embraced by many countries of the world.Bioethanol is an evaporative, colorless liquid that is produced by the fermentation and subsequent distillation of starchy food crops such as yam, corn, cassava, potatoes, and so on. The production of bioethanol meant for augmentation/replacement of the conventional automobile fuel gasoline from lignocellulosic biomass is a process that is vigorously being pursued by many researchers world over because of its environmental friendliness and renewability 4, 5 . In comparison with gasoline fuel, bioethanol is more beneficial because of its very high octane number, wider flammability limits, better heat of vaporization, and most importantly, the lesser release of acid gases such as carbon iv