Lignocellulosic Residues from Agricultural Field and Agro-Based Industries as Potential Source of Bioethanol
Date
2013
Authors
Yadawa, Rupesh Kumar
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Botany
Abstract
This study explores the potential of lignocellulosic biomass as a renewable source of
energy and a possible alternative to fossil fuel. Nepal being agriculture based country,
this study intends to identify the possible utilization of different forms/types of locally
available agricultural wastes and agro based industrial waste as potential feedstock to
biofuel (bio-ethanol). The study assesses implementation different types of
agro/industrial lignocelluloses waste (beer factory, tobacco factory, and agricultural
field) for ethanol production, economic opportunities for the national economy, and
potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The prime focus of this study was to
record organic wastes as potential feedstock for bioethanol production, to estimate the
biomass of those organic wastes (only lignocellulosic residue), to assess the
opportunities for income generation through new jobs, new markets related to
bioethanol production and to review the biofuel policy and legal provisions in Nepal.
The study was carried out in two agro-based industries (Surya Nepal and Himalayan
Brewery) chosen by simple random sampling and one cultivated field (Viruwa Guthi
V.D.C, Parsa) was purposively chosen. The required data was collected through
researcher-developed questionnaire and the obtained fresh biomass was set to dry in
laboratory to estimate enthanol production from the dry biomass. The estimated
bioethanol production from 18,825.885 Kg/yr dry biomass of tobacco was 5.836024
Kl/yr and the estimated bioethanol production from 866400 Kg/yr dry biomass of beer
waste was 63.5744 Kl/yr It was concluded that among agro-industrial residue
Himalyan brewery has the highest potential of producing bioethanol while the residue
from Surya Nepal Tobacco Factory has the least potential of producing bioethanol.
Nepal is far behind the reality of implementing the existing biofuel policy.
Description
Keywords
Lignocellulosic residues, Agro-based industries