LIGNOCELLULOSIC FEEDSTOCK EVALUATION (SUGARCANE BAGASSE AND COCONUT SHELLS) FOR ETHANOL PRODUCTION AS AN ADDITIVE IN OIL REFINERIES

Abstract

This study evaluated the potential of sugarcane bagasse and coconut husks as feedstocks for producing second-generation ethanol intended as a sustainable oxygenate additive in refinery gasoline. Through a rigorous methodology that included the physical-chemical characterization of the biomass, conversion via acid hydrolysis and fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and robust statistical analysis, the results demonstrated the technical feasibility of both residues. Coconut husks stood out for their higher calorific value (16.44 MJ/kg) and significantly higher fermentation yield (90.42%) compared to bagasse (12.6 MJ/kg and 83.20%). Both ethanol’s produced had alcohol contents above 93% v/v, clean combustion, and, critically, an extremely low sulfur content (<0.12%). Multicriteria analysis, consolidated into an Additive Potential Index (API), and statistical tests (Z-test, p<0.05) confirmed with 95% confidence that both biomasses have good potential for this application. It is concluded that recovering these wastes through co-processing in refineries is an effective strategy to promote the circular economy, improve the quality of fossil fuels (by increasing octane rating), and contribute to the decarbonization of the transport sector.