Evaluating the Valorization Potential of Food Waste for Bioethanol Production via Sequential Acid Pretreatment and Enzymatic Hydrolysis

Abstract

Abstract

Interest in bioethanol as a potential alternative to fossil fuels has increased because of its environmental and economic benefits. Food waste is an abundant and underutilized resource with significant potential for bioethanol production, offering a sustainable solution to global energy demands. The study investigates the feasibility of converting food waste into bioethanol in Pakistan. Bioethanol was obtained through a biochemical process from food waste collected from different households and cafeterias. The food waste was dried and grinded to 1-3 mm size. Dilute acid Pretreatment and Enzymatic hydrolysis were used to break down food waste into reducing sugars. The best conversion rate was achieved with 5% acid concentration pretreatment and hydrolysis at 50°C for 36 hours. The hydrolysate sample was then fermented using Saccharomyces cerevisiae at 35°C for 7 days, producing an experimental bioethanol titer of 6.68 g/L. The overall fermentation process showed approximately 68.6% fermentation efficiency, demonstrating the viability of food waste for bioethanol production. Selecting food waste as a feedstock over traditional starch- and sugar-based materials offers dual benefits: reducing food waste and meeting energy needs. Integrating waste into renewable energy production can help Pakistan achieve its sustainable energy goals and targets.