Production and Characterization of Bio-alcohols from Agricultural Wastes

With the implementation of modern innovative technologies in agriculture, productivity is raised with profuse waste generation globally. Most often, huge agricultural wastes are burnt (stubble burning) and release harmful emissions into the air. It causes concern to the public and animal health, productivity (land and water), and economic loss. Bio-alcohols from the fermentation of agricultural waste do not compete with food, support other energy resources, and contribute to a circular economy and employment generation, together with clean energy. At present, most countries allow blending of bio-alcohols with gasoline for low emissions, energy security, saving foreign exchange, and socioeconomic upliftment with employment generation. Commercially, bio-alcohol production for biofuel is dependent on substrates like cellulose content/fermentable carbohydrates, microorganisms for fermentation, pre-treatment processes, inhibitory/toxic compounds (furfural, ferulic, phenolic compounds), growth medium, fermentation mode (fed-batch/continuous), engine performance (spark ignition/compression ignition), etc. Therefore, it is worthwhile to study the different aspects of bio-alcohol generation from agricultural wastes for sustainable, economically viable, clean bioenergy production.