Bioconversion of Bambusa Vulgaris Waste into Bioethanol and Bioethylene for a Sustainable Green Energy Economy in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria's heavy dependence on fossil fuels significantly exacerbates environmental degradation, underscoring the need for ongoing research on sustainable alternatives, such as utilizing Bambusa vulgaris (common bamboo) biomass to mitigate carbon emissions and foster a green energy economy. The overall objective of this research was to examine the bioconversion potential of Bambusa vulgaris waste into bioethanol and bioethylene towards promoting sustainable green energy solutions in Nigeria. In the context of this research, bioconversion refers to the recycling of waste from bamboo into bioethanol and bioethylene using microbial and enzymatic methods. The sample of pulverized fine particles of Bambusa vulgaris culm flour was first treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at selected laboratories in Lagos and Ogun States. Thereafter, the Separate Hydrolysis and Fermentation (SHF) and Simultaneous Hydrolysis and Fermentation (SSF) approaches were applied. Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast was also applied to ferment the resulting glucose into bio-ethanol. The produced bio-ethanol was subsequently purified using the fractional distillation method. Bio-eth-ylene gas was generated from a catalytic dehydration of the bio-ethanol. The results yielded 65% bio-ethanol from 2,000 grammes (g) of bamboo biomass and 53% bio-eth-ylene gas from 500 mL of bio-ethanol. In conclusion, the research findings demonstrate the viability of bamboo biomass as a renewable green energy source that is capable of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Future research should focus on scaling up the process to assess economic feasibility and environmental impact, towards ascertaining the industrial application potential for a more sustainable green energy economy in Nigeria.