Statistical modeling and optimization of bioethanol production from Parthenium hysterophorus

Abstract

Potential of producing liquid transportation biofuels is demanding because of depleting fossil fuels. The aim of this study is to produce bioethanol from Parthenium hysterophorus by statistical modeling and optimization. Response surface methodology based Box–Behnken design was employed to optimize the pre-treatment of P. hysterophorus using tartaric acid. Pre-treatment of plant tissue was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and visualization in photographic image. Then, cellulases enzyme was used for hydrolysis of cellulose in cellulignin (cellulose and lignin) and then detoxified with lime. Finally, co-fermentation of Kluyveromyces marxianus with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Fusarium oxysporum, Zymomonas mobilis and Klebsiella oxytoca was performed for bioethanol production. Ethanol concentrations of 1.248, 1.195, 1.879 and 1.616% (v/v) were obtained for mixed culture of K. marxianus with Z. mobilis, K. oxytoca, F. oxysporum and S. cerevisiae respectively after 72 h of fermentation. Hence, it is inferred that, the mixed culture of K. marxianus and F. oxysporum was found to be the best combination for ethanol production from P. hysterophorus.