Evaluación del proceso de obtención de etanol a partir del bagazo de caña de azúcar mediante hidrólisis ácida y fermentación alcohólica

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the process of obtaining ethanol from sugarcane bagasse through acid hydrolysis and alcoholic fermentation, as a sustainable alternative for the use of agro-industrial waste in Ecuador. Sugarcane bagasse, generated in large volumes during juice extraction and sugar production, is a lignocellulosic residue whose improper management generates environmental impacts associated with soil, water, and air pollution. The research was conducted using an experimental approach, with bagasse collected from sugarcane juice stands in the La Bahía sector of Guayaquil serving as raw material. The experimental process comprised several stages: preparation and characterization of the bagasse, pretreatment to break down the lignocellulosic structure, acid hydrolysis with dilute sulfuric acid to release fermentable sugars, detoxification of the hydrolysate by neutralization and decantation, alcoholic fermentation using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and finally, distillation of the ethanol produced. During fermentation, variables such as pH, temperature, and time were controlled to maximize the conversion of sugars into ethanol. The expected results of the study will allow for an analysis of the process efficiency in terms of sugar release, ethanol production, and carbon dioxide generation, as well as an evaluation of its technical and environmental viability as a renewable biofuel. The research demonstrates the potential of sugarcane bagasse as an alternative raw material for bioethanol production, contributing to the reduction of solid waste, the strengthening of the circular economy, and the diversification of the national energy matrix, in accordance with current environmental and energy regulations in Ecuador.