Optimization of Fermentation Parameters for Ethanol Production from Ziziphus mauritiana Fruit Pulp Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NA33)
E. Togarepi
Chemistry department, Bindura University of Science Education, P. Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe.
C. Mapiye
Chemistry department, Bindura University of Science Education, P. Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe.
N. Muchanyereyi *
Chemistry department, Bindura University of Science Education, P. Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe.
P. Dzomba
Chemistry department, Bindura University of Science Education, P. Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Total demand for ethanol due to fear of crude oil depletion and the need to mitigate global warming due to green house gas emissions is increasing year after year. The present study was undertaken to investigate optimum parameters for ethanol production from Ziziphus mauritiana by Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NA33) strain. Various parameters, yeast concentration, pH and temperature were considered. A control experiment (without Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NA33) strain) was also set up for results comparison. The optimized conditions for ethanol production were established as pH 6, temperature 30ºC and yeast concentration of 8.0g per 20g fruit pulp. Under these conditions an ethanol concentration of 63 g/L was achieved. The control vessel showed not much rate of fermentation and hence it was shown that addition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NA33) was necessary to increase the rate and yield.
Keywords: Ziziphus mauritiana, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, fermentation parameters, optimization