PRODUCTION OF BIOETHANOL FROM GRAINS (GUINEA CORN, RICE, WHEAT, CORN)
Abstract
The increasing depletion of fossil fuels and the associated environmental impacts have heightened global interest in renewable energy alternatives. This study focused on the production of bioethanol from grains—specifically guinea corn, rice, wheat, and corn— through enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation, and distillation processes. Starch was first extracted from the grains, hydrolyzed into fermentable sugars using α-amylase and glucoamylase, and subsequently fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The resulting ethanol was distilled and analyzed for yield, concentration, pH, density, and Physico-chemical properties. Results revealed that all four grains have significant potential as bioethanol feedstock, with corn producing the highest ethanol yield (19.70%) and concentration (10.67%), followed by rice (17.64%, 10.17%), guinea corn (15.38%, 10.59%), and wheat (12.72%, 9.17%). The ethanol produced from all samples exhibited comparable properties to standard ethanol, confirming the effectiveness of the processes employed. These findings demonstrate that grains are viable renewable resources for bioethanol production, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels, while also supporting rural development and energy security.
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