Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology

Significance of the Study: Biomass derived bio-ethanol is biodegradable, nontoxic and suitable substitute for fossil fuels. It can be used as bio-solvent and antiseptic in the pharmaceutical industry and can also be used to reduce greenhouse gas emission like CO₂, CO, HC, SOex and NO_X.  Dates fruit biomass is an important subsistence crop in arid and semiarid regions of the world and a useful feedstock for bioethanol production. It is rich in monosaccharide and can be fermented easily.

Aims: The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of pH, temperatures, durations, yeast and enzyme concentration, water percent and parts of date fruit on bioethanol yield and its different properties.

Methodology: Fermentation bioprocess was used to produce bioethanol from date fruit waste.

Results: The best yield (22.5%) of bioethanol in different parameters such as pH, temperatures, fermentation period and different yeast (S. cerevisiae) concentrations was found 5.8, 28°C, 5 days and 4 g/l, respectively. Moreover, viscosity and acid value were found within the limits prescribed by the latest American Standards for Testing Material (ASTM). There was no toxic elements found in the produced bioethanol and maintained the quality of ASTM standard. The elements found in bioethanol were Fe, Cu, Sn, Mn, Ag, Mo, Zn, P, Ca, Mg, Si and Na. The green house gas emissions such as hydrocarbons, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides were reduced while using the bioethanol, blended with pure fuel.

Conclusion: From the results it could be concluded that waste date fruit could be used as a potential feedstock for bioethanol production and suitable for 10% bioethanol as fuel for engine use without any modification of the engine.