FROM SEAWEED TO FUEL: HARNESSING BIOETHANOL FROM RESIDUAL CARRAGEENAN EXTRACT IN EUCHEUMA COTTONII

Аннотация

The growing global demand for sustainable and renewable energy sources has prompted extensive research into alternative biofuels. This study explores the feasibility of utilizing residual carrageenan extract from Eucheuma cottonii, a commonly harvested seaweed, as a feedstock for bioethanol production. Carrageenan extraction from seaweed generates substantial byproducts, which are typically discarded or underutilized. This research investigates the potential of these byproducts to be transformed into bioethanol, a clean and environmentally friendly fuel. The process involves the enzymatic hydrolysis of carrageenan-rich seaweed residues to break down polysaccharides into fermentable sugars. Subsequently, yeast fermentation is employed to convert these sugars into ethanol. Key factors affecting bioethanol production, such as enzyme type, concentration, fermentation conditions, and ethanol yield, are systematically examined and optimized. Additionally, the environmental and economic sustainability of this approach is assessed through a life cycle analysis (LCA) and cost-benefit analysis (CBA). Preliminary results indicate that residual carrageenan extract from Eucheuma cottonii exhibits significant potential as a bioethanol feedstock, with promising ethanol yields. Moreover, the utilization of carrageenan byproducts for bioethanol production contributes to the circular economy and reduces waste in the seaweed processing industry. The LCA and CBA results suggest that this approach is environmentally and economically viable, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuels.