Treatment of Food Waste for Bioethanol Production Using Pervaporation Separation Technology

Abstract

The development of alternatives to fossil fuels like Bio-fuel is becoming increasingly urgent with the depletion of resources of fossil fuels and the steadily worsening state of our atmosphere and natural environment. The usage of bio-fuels is one possibility to decrease greenhouse gas emissions in the nearer future. Bioethanol can be used in fuels for vehicles without any modifications of the engines in concentrations up to 5 percent and even 10 percent in newer engines. Different possible raw materials for the production of bioethanol have been studied during the last few decades. Food waste from restaurants and hotels in India are increasing environmental problem, particularly in tourist areas. Food waste can be defined as any edible waste from food production and consumption. Food waste generated in India is rich in carbohydrate, as high as 65% of total solids due to its high proportion of cooked rice and cereals. With the use of fermentation & pervaporation technology this waste can be converted in to useful byproduct like bioethanol. Thus, utilization of hotel & restaurant food waste for bioethanol production can positively influence both the energy and environmental sustainability.