Melon husks and seeds as potential energy source

Abstract

In the challenge of fossil fuel substitution, lignocellulosic biomass is considered the feedstock of the future, due to its economic and environmental advantages in comparison with bioethanol from starch or sugar. However, physical and chemical barriers caused by the close association of the main components of lignocellulosic biomass hinder the hydrolysis of cellulose and hemicellulose to fermentable sugars. For this reason, biomass must be pretreated to expose the cellulose of the vegetable fibers. These processes intend to eliminate lignin and hemicellulose, decrease cellulose crystallinity and increase the porosity of lignocellulosic materials. Melon is one of the main horticultural crops of San Juan Province, Argentina. From its industrialization, hundreds of tons of melon husk are discarded, generating environmental problems. Since this material has potential as second generation biofuel feedstock, a study for the enhancement of sugars bioavailability for ethanol production is proposed. An acid pretreatment with sulfuric acid, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation was applied. The most influential variables were determined and the optimal route to use this residue as energy source is proposed.