Physical and biochemical assessment of sugarcane bagasse (Saccharum officinarum)

Abstract

Bagasse was milled into small size of 0.200152 mm volume surface mean diameter. The powder was found to be a rich source of many macro and micro nutrients, namely Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulphur, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, and Copper. FTIR spectrum indicates the possible presence of polysaccharides like cellulose, lignin and hemicelluloses, and polyphenols in the bagasse sample. Micro-images of the bagasse obtained through SEM shows the features of fiber structures. The fiber cells are cross-linked and surface seems to be rough and thick-walled. The fiber pith was found to have pits at some places. Proximate analysis through EDX shows the high proportions of Carbon (44.51%) and Oxygen (55.49%).