PRELIMINARY STUDY OF OIL PALM FROND ENSILATION FOR BIOETHANOL PRODUCTION

Abstract

Background of this study is caused by the limitation of feedstock for bioethanol production and the high amount of oil palm frond waste. This study explores utilization of OPF and aim to determine the optimum silage condition, glucose concentration, and bioethanol production from OPF ensilation. The silage process variables were water ratio (1:1, 1:2, 1:5), agitation (with or without agitation), and silage duration (5 to 20 days). Lactobacillus plantarum was used as added bacteria in ensilation. The OPF silage was fermented using instant yeast. The results of the fermentation show that bioethanol generation can be achieved; however, not as well as expected. Sample with the highest bioethanol concentration, 3100 mg/l, with a water ratio of 1:5, no agitation, and 5 days of silage. The non-fermented sample from the silage process also produced ethanol. The sugar from OPF silage could be more optimal if the correct duration was found to complete cellulose hydrolysis. To conclude, these results show the potential for ethanol production using OPF silage. Duration of the silage process should be modified to find the optimum silage process condition. With optimal condition in both silage and fermentation, increased and efficient bioethanol production could be obtained.