Optimized bioethanol production from <i>Lemna minuta</i> biomass harvested from polluted water via acid and enzymatic hydrolysis

ABSTRACT: The contamination of water bodies through domestic, agricultural, and industrial discharges remains a critical environmental challenge, leading to eutrophication and harmful impacts on aquatic ecosystems and public health. In response, phytoremediation, which utilizes aquatic plants for pollutant removal, have gained attention. This study investigates the potential of Lemna minuta biomass, harvested from a polluted pond, for bioethanol production. The research evaluates carbohydrate content and explores the efficiency of acid and enzymatic hydrolysis in converting the biomass into fermentable sugars. The study’s findings reveal that Lemna minuta exhibits a carbohydrate content of 36.46 ± 1.69%. Acid hydrolysis demonstrated a high conversion efficiency, with optimal conditions achieving up to 99.20% efficiency and 18.09 g L−1 total reducing sugars. Enzymatic hydrolysis, while effective, yielded lower efficiencies, indicating the need for further optimization. Fermentation tests using Saccharomyces cerevisiae chardonnay resulted in ethanol production of 1.5 g L−1 , highlighting the potential of Lemna minuta as a sustainable bioethanol feedstock. These findings highlight the potential of Lemna minuta as a sustainable feedstock for bioethanol production while contributing to environmental remediation, reinforcing its dual role in renewable energy and ecosystem restoration.