SUSTAINABLE BIOETHANOL PRODUCTION FROM FOOD WASTE: A NOVEL ECO-FRIENDLY APPROACH USING POTATO PEELS

Abstract This study proposes a novel and eco-friendly method for producing high-quality bioethanol from potato peels, aimed at use as a gasoline blend base. The process begins with the collection, washing, and drying of potato peels, followed by acid hydrolysis to release and convert starch into fermentable sugars. These sugars are then subjected to fermentation using the microorganism Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which efficiently converts them into bioethanol under carefully controlled conditions. Finally, the bioethanol is purified using rotary evaporation, a technique that ensures efficient ethanol recovery while minimizing thermal degradation. The use of rotary evaporation not only enhances the purity of the bioethanol but also reduces energy consumption compared to traditional distillation methods, yielding a product that meets both American and European quality standards. By optimizing each step of the process, from hydrolysis to fermentation and evaporation, this study demonstrates the feasibility of producing bioethanol that is both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. A detailed analysis of the physicochemical properties of the resulting bioethanol—such as water content, purity, total acidity, and compliance with industry standards—validates the quality of bioethanol derived from potato peels. This approach not only highlights the potential of food waste as a valuable resource for renewable energy production but also supports a circular economy by transforming waste into a clean, sustainable fuel. The results of this study underscore the dual benefits of this method: providing a high-quality bioethanol suitable for blending with gasoline and reducing the environmental impact of food waste, paving the way for innovative solutions in the field of biofuels.