The Estimation of the Possibility of Bioethanol Production from Hemp Cellulose Using the HWE Method

This study investigates the effect of hot water extraction (HWE). The research investigates how different biomass fractions (0–4 mm, 4–8 mm, and 8–16 mm) respond to hydrothermal treatment, with cellulose content analyzed using the Kürschner–Hoffer method. Results indicate that cellulose loss varies across fractions, with the highest degradation observed in the 8–16 mm fraction and the lowest in stalks thinner than 4 mm. The HWE process removes both hemicellulose and lignin selectively, which helps improve enzyme accessibility and maximize bioethanol yields. The absence of fermentation inhibitors suggests that HWE is an effective alternative to acid-based pretreatment. Based on these findings, optimizing process parameters for sustainable bioethanol production from hemp biomass may be possible. Optimal HWE conditions and alternate pretreatment methods should be evaluated in future research to maximize efficiency and industrial feasibility.