Bioenergy: Challenges and Opportunities International Conference and Exhibition on Bioenergy April 6th 9th 2008 Universidade do Minho,

, Guimares, Portugal

EVALUATION OF RESIDUES OF BIODIESEL PRODUCTION FROM NEEM AND MORINGA AS FEEDSTOCKS FOR BIOETHANOL PRODUCTION

Martn, C.1,2*, Gulln, B.2, Moure, A.2, Martn, G.3, Domnguez, H.2 and Paraj, J.C.2
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Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Matanzas, Matanzas 44 740, Cuba. Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Vigo University of Vigo (Campus Ourense), 32004 Ourense, Estacin Experimental de Pastos y Forrajes Indio Hatuey, CP 44280, Matanzas, Cuba

Spain.
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*Corresponding author: carlos.martn@umcc.cu

ABSTRACT Neem (Azadirachta indica) and moringa (Moringa oleifera) are non-edible oil seeds considered potential substrates for biodiesel production in Cuba. Different residues, such as hulls and press cakes, are generated during the preparation of the seeds for extraction of the oils to be used in biodiesel production. In this work, physical and chemical characterisation of neem and moringa seeds and their fractions was performed, and diluteacid prehydrolysis of the hulls was assessed as pretreatment method for enzymatic hydrolysis if cellulose. It was shown that the hulls represent 46 and 28 weight percent, respectively, of the seeds of neem and moringa. The chemical characterisation of the hulls revealed that they are typical lignocellulosic materials that could be considered for bioethanol production. A cellulose content of approximately 30% (w/w) was detected in the hulls of both species, whereas xylan accounted for 24.7% in neem and 9.1% in moringa. A high concentration (4.3%) of acetyl groups was found in neem hulls, what is favourable for their hydrolytic conversion to simple sugars. The high protein content (15.2%) of moringa is a possitive feature for lowering the cost of nutrient supplementation in ethanolic fermentation. The hulls were pretreated using 1.5-4.5% H2SO4, at a liquid-to-solid ratio of 10, at 131 oC and during 15-240 min. The residual contents of xylan, cellulose and lignin were determined in the pretreated hulls. Xylan was hydrolysed to a high extend in neem hulls, whereas cellulose and lignin were only marginally affected. The same was observed for moringa hulls, although xylan hydrolysis occurred at a lower rate. The enzymatic convertibility of cellulose was assayed in the pretreated hulls. Pretreatment led to a 6-fold increase of cellulose conversion in neem hulls, but it was less effective for moringa hulls. The fermentation of the enzymatic hydrolysates with Saccharomyces cerevisiae was also investigated. Keywords: Azadirachta indica, Moringa oleifera, biodiesel, bioethanol, dilute-acid prehydrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis