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Ethanol production from wastewater solids

Journal Article · · Water Environment and Technology
OSTI ID:263142
 [1];  [2]
  1. Trow Consulting Engineers Ltd., Brampton (Canada)
  2. Queen`s Univ., Kingston (Canada)
Cellulose, a valuable component of municipal primary wastewater solids, may some day provide an alternative fuel for automobiles. The production of ethanol from cellulosic materials involves two chemical reactions: (C{sub 6}H{sub 10}O{sub 5}){sub n} + nH{sub 2}O {yields} nC{sub 6}H{sub 12}O{sub 6} {yields} 2nC{sub 2}H{sub 5}OH + 2nCO{sub 2} (Cellulose - 162 g/mol, Glucose - 180 g/mol, Ethanol - 46 g/mol). The degradation of the cellulose to glucose, also referred to as saccharification, occurs through hydrolysis, which involves the addition of a water molecule. Following hydrolysis of cellulose to glucose, conversion of the glucose to ethanol occurs by fermentation, which is accomplished by bacteria or yeast. The two conversion steps can be accomplished separately or simultaneously in a process known as simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). This paper describes the results from a laboratory scale investigation which explored the bioconversion of the cellulosic component in solids to ethanol for eventual use as a clean alternative fuel. Results show that SSF achieved moderate conversion of the cellulosic component of solids to ethanol. Further improvements required to make the process more viable are described.
OSTI ID:
263142
Journal Information:
Water Environment and Technology, Journal Name: Water Environment and Technology Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 8; ISSN 1044-9493; ISSN WAETEJ
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English