US448: FROM FIELD RESIDUES TO FUEL ECONOMY:REDEFINING BIOETHANOL PRODUCTION AT SCALE

PRAVENDRAN CHANDRA SAGARAN UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA PERLIS

This study explores scale bioethanol production from rice straw residues as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. The work focuses on pretreatment acid hydrolysis and fermentation optimization to enhance sugar release and ethanol yield. Rice straw pulp was mechanically treated then hydrolyzed using sulfuric acid before fermentation. Effects of pH temperature and inoculum size were evaluated using central composite design. Results showed improvement in fermentable sugars and ethanol concentration with optimal conditions. Scaling experiments from laboratory to pilot volumes demonstrated consistent yields and process feasibility. The approach offers an efficient low cost pathway for converting agricultural waste into renewable biofuel.