Exploring the Impact of Bioethanol and Cassava Feedstock on the Future of Industrial Applications

• Post by: airjournals
• April 11, 2025
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Okolieuwa, C. C.^1*, Nnamchi, C. I.², Imumolen, C. ³, and Ikwunne, T.^4
1Department of Biochemistry/ Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
² Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
³ Department of Science Laboratory Science, Biochemistry Unit, Akanu-Ibiam Federal Polytechni, Unwana
⁴ Department of Computing and Cyber Systems, School of Informatics, Northern Arizona University

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the production of bioethanol from cassava, focusing on the optimization of production processes, environmental sustainability, and economic viability. The research explored the Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF) process for converting cassava starch into ethanol, analyzed the energy consumption, water usage, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with bioethanol production, and evaluated the economic costs of scaling up cassava-based ethanol production. The results showed that the SSF process yielded higher ethanol concentrations compared to traditional methods, with significant reductions in energy consumption and processing time. Moreover, cassava was found to be a more economically feasible feedstock compared to other crops, with lower investment costs and simpler processing requirements. The environmental assessment highlighted cassava’s potential for sustainability, though further improvements in water management and waste minimization were identified as key areas for future research. This study concludes that cassava-based bioethanol offers a promising, cost-effective alternative to other feedstocks, with substantial benefits for both energy production and environmental sustainability. Keywords Bioethanol; Cassava Feedstock; Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF); Environmental Sustainability; Economic Viability Citation Okolieuwa, C. C., Nnamchi, C. I., Imumolen, C. & Ikwunne, T. (2025). Exploring the Impact of Bioethanol and Cassava Feedstock on the Future of Industrial Applications. American Journal of Applied Sciences and Engineering 6(1) 10-27.  https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15189233