Sap from various palms as a renewable energy source for bioethanol production

Abstract

Sap is a watery fluid that transports plant photosynthetic products towards various tissues to support growth. Tapping palms for their sap is reported to have originated from India approximately 4,000 years ago. Palm sap is rich in sugars with some inorganics and nutrients, which are attractive components for bioethanol production. Based on advances and current knowledge on the availability, collection, yield, and exploitation of various palm saps, this article evaluates their potential and sustainability as feedstocks for bioethanol production.