Food residues can be transformed into bioethanol, reducing CO2 and methane emissions while fostering sustainable development. This method provides a cost-effective way to enhance the value of non-edible food sources. Thus, yam peels produced as agro-industrial waste is perfect starting material for bioethanol production. The main goal of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of bioethanol production from yam peels. Thus, fresh peels are subjected to wet milling to obtain a starch-rich powder. The hydrolysis of dry extracts, optimized according to time, acid concentration, and dry extract (DE)/water volume ratio, is carried out by reflux heating in the presence of different concentrations of H2SO4 used as a catalyst. The ethanolic fermentation of the hydrolysate musts, after adjusting the pH to 4.5, is conducted in batch mode using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Fermentation monitoring is ensured by measuring °Brix with an Abbe refractometer, while the ethanol content is determined by the pycnometric method, in accordance with the recommendations of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). According to the results obtained, the optimal hydrolysis conditions include: an H2SO4 concentration of 8% (w/w), a dry extract (DE)/water volume ratio of 1:5 (g/mL), and a duration of 2 hours. These conditions yield an ethanol content of 6.72 ± 0.26% (v/v), corresponding to 264.97 ± 10.07 g EtOH/kg of dry matter. Wet milling provides better ethanol yields compared to dry milling. Finally, bioethanol production from yam peels prevents their degradation into CO2 and methane, which are greenhouse gases. The results from this study are important for the commercial production of bioethanol through a process of valorizing plant resources and reducing waste to promote the circular economy.
| Published in | Science Journal of Chemistry (Volume 13, Issue 6) |
| DOI | 10.11648/j.sjc.20251306.11 |
| Page(s) | 167-178 |
| Creative Commons |
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited. |
| Copyright |
Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group |
Yam Peels, Acid Hydrolysis, Fermentation, Bioethanol, Environmental Benefit
| [1] |
MAHVD: Ministère de l’Agriculture, de l’Hydraulique Villageoise et du Développement Rural. Zoom sur la récolte et les méthodes de conservation d’ignames. 2021. Available from:
https://agriculture.gouv.tg/zoom-sur-la-recolte-et-les-methodes-de-conservation-dignames/ |
| [2] | Tareen, M. B. K., Saeed, N., Sultan, M., Chen, X., Li, J., Yan, S. Yam as functional food: Bioactive properties, health benefits, and applications. Food Nutrition and Health. 2025, 2(1), 16. |
| [3] | Obidiegwu, J. E., Lyons, J. B., Chilaka, C. A. The Dioscorea genus (yam)—An appraisal of nutritional and therapeutic potentials. Foods. 2020, 9(9), 1304. |
| [4] | Sabater, C., Villamiel, M., Montilla, A.). Integral use of pectin-rich by-products in a biorefinery context: A holistic approach. Food Hydrocolloids. 2022, 128; 107564. |
| [5] | Adigoun-Akotegnon, F. A., Adoukonou-Sagbadja, H., Fadinan, C., Tchougourou, A., Agassounon-Tchibozo, M., Ahanhanzo, C. Diversity, distribution and ethnobotanical importance of cultivated and wild African trifoliate yam (Dioscorea dumetorum (Kunth) Pax) in Benin. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. 2019, 66(3), 659-683. |
| [6] | Jena, B., Padhan, B., Pati, K., Chauhan, V. B. S. Critical review on nutra-pharmaceutical usage of yams. Food and Humanity. 2024, 2; 100273. |
| [7] | Bashir, A., Baba, A., Akpomie, O. O. Characterization of biomass residue (yam peels) for bioethanol production. International Journal of Advanced Chemistry. 2021, 9(2), 146-149. |
| [8] | Ezejiofor, T. I. N., Enenebeaku, U. E., Enenebeaku, C. K., Nwankwo, M. U., Ogbonnaya, C. I. A. Comparative study of bioethanol yield from yam, potato, watermelon, and pineapple peels using different concentrations of hydrochloric acid. World News of Natural Sciences. 2018, 16, 18-32. |
| [9] | Ajiboye, A. E., Olawoyin, R. A. Comparative studies of bioethanol produced from cassava peel using Aspergillus niger and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in submerged fermentation. Pan African Journal of Life Sciences. 2024, 8(2), 131-137. |
| [10] | Zabed, H., Sahu, J. N., Boyce, A. N., Faruq, G. (2017). Fuel ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass: An overview on feedstocks and technological approaches. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 2017, 66, 751-774. |
| [11] | Mussatto, S. I., Dragone, G., Guimarães, P. M. R., Silva, J. P. A., Carneiro, L. M., Roberto, I. C., Vicente, A., Domingues, L., Teixeira, J. A. (). Technological trends, global market, and challenges of bio-ethanol production. Biotechnology Advances. 2010, 28(6), 817-830. |
| [12] | Naik, S. N., Goud, V. V., Rout, P. K., Dalai, A. K. Production of first- and second-generation biofuels: A comprehensive review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2010, 14(2), 578-597. |
| [13] | Villadiego-del Villar, A. E., Sarmiento-Zea, N., León-Pulido, J., Rojas-Pérez, L. C. Bioethanol production from yam (Dioscorea rotundata) using simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). TecnoLógicas. 2021, 24(49), 1-14. |
| [14] | Phwan, C. K., Chew, K. W., Sebayang, A. H., Ong H. C., Ling T. C., Malek M. A., Ho Y.-C., Show P. L. Effects of acids pre-treatment on the microbial fermentation process for bioethanol production from microalgae. Biotechnol Biofuels. 2019, 12, 191. |
| [15] | Abli G. I., Novidzro K. M., Akpo K., Koumaglo K. H., High-yield Bioethanol Production from Cashew Apple in Atakpamé. Oriental Journal of Chemistry. 2024, 40, 6: 1745-1755. |
| [16] | Jahnavi G., Prashanthi G. S., Sravanthi K., Rao L. V. Status of availability of lignocellulosic feed stocks in India: Biotechnological strategies involved in the production of Bioethanol. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 2017, 73(C), 798-820. |
| [17] |
Novidzro, K. M., Melila, M., Fagla, B. A., Dotse, K. Potentialities of bio-based ethanol production with tuberous roots of Icacina senegalensis in comparison with tubers of Manihot esculenta and Ipomoea batatas. International Journal of Chemical Studies. 2019a, 7(6), 2602-2607. Retrieved from
https://www.chemijournal.com/archives/2019/vol7issue6/PartN/7-5-489-664.pdf |
| [18] | Tadesse A. A. Production and Optimization of Bioethanol from Mixed Banana and Papaya Peels Using Saccharomyces Cerevisiae; American Journal of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering. 2024, 8(2), 45-57. |
| [19] | Harmsen, P., Huijgen, W., Bermudez, L., Bakker, R. Literature review of physical and chemical pre-treatment processes for lignocellulosic biomass (Rapport n° 1184). Wageningen UR Food & Biobased Research. 2010. |
| [20] | Vilcocq, L., Castilho, P. C., Carvalheiro, F., Duarte, L. C. (). Hydrolysis of oligosaccharides over solid acid catalysts: A review. ChemSusChem. 2014, 7(4), 1010-1019. |
| [21] | Yu, Y., Lou, X., Wu, H. Some recent advances in hydrolysis of biomass in hot-compressed water and its comparisons with other hydrolysis methods. Energy & Fuels. 2008, 22(1), 46-60. |
| [22] | El-Tayeb, T. S., Abdelhafez, A. A., Ali, S. H., Ramadan, E. M. Effect of acid hydrolysis and fungal biotreatment on agro-industrial wastes for obtainment of free sugars for bioethanol production. Brazilian Journal of Microbiology. 2012, 43(4), 1523-1535. |
| [23] | Su, C. Recoverable and reusable hydrochloric acid used as a homogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production. Applied Energy. 2013, 104, 503-509. |
| [24] | Shittu A. A., Ayodeji O. A., Datsugwai M. S. S. Bioethanol Production from Rice Winery Cake Using Lactic Acid Bacteria and Yeasts by the Process of Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation. International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. 2016; 1(1): 33-39. |
| [25] | Bakaï, M.-F., Ouadja, B., Segbeaya, K. N., Abli, E. A., Kabissi, H.-A. Valorization of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) into Bioethanol Using Several Yeast Strains of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae. American Journal of Applied Chemistry. 2016, 12(1), 15-21. |
| [26] | Novidzro, K. M., Anoumou, K., Amoussou Fagla, B., Melila, M., Dotse K., Koumaglo K. H. Second Generation Bioethanol Production from Pineapple Peels. International Journal of Green and Herbal Chemistry, Section A: Green Chemistry, 2019c, 8(4): 938-953 |
| [27] | Mosier, N. S., Ileleji, K. E. Chapter 23- How fuel ethanol is made from corn. Bioenergy: Biomass to Biofuels. 2015, 379-384. |
| [28] | Utrilla-Coello, R. G., Hernández-Jaimes, C., Carrillo-Navas, H., González, F., Rodríguez, E., Bello-Pérez, L. A., Vernon-Carter, E. J., Alvarez-Ramirez, J. Acid hydrolysis of native corn starch: Morphology, crystallinity, rheological and thermal properties. Carbohydrate Polymers. 2014, 103, 596-602. |
| [29] | Ulbrich, M., Flöter, E. Functional Properties of Acid-Thinned Potato Starch: Impact of Modification, Molecular Starch Characteristics, and Solution Preparation. Starch - Stärke, 2019. 1900176 (2 of 11). |
| [30] | Onoh, I. M., Anho L. O., Egwuagu O. Study of the effect of process parameters on the yield of fermentable sugar from red cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) peels via acid and enzyme hydrolysis. International Journal of Frontiers in Engineering and Technology Research. 2021, 1(1), 47-55. |
| [31] | Chaitanoo, N., Junphong, A., Chaiya, A., Chaiwong, K., Vuthijumnonk, J. T. Potential of Dioscorea spp. for bioethanol production using separate hydrolysis and fermentation method. Philippine Journal of Science. 2024, 153(4), 1455-1463 |
| [32] | Zambelli, R. A., Saraiva, M. C., Barroso, A. B., Lopes dos Anjos, M. (). Acid hydrolysis. In S. P. Bangar, K. Sunooj, V., Siroha, A. K. (Eds.), Starch: Structure, properties, and modifications for food applications. 1st ed. 2024, pp. 1-16). CRC Press. |
| [33] | Wang, S., Copeland, L. Effect of acid hydrolysis on starch structure and functionality: A review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2015, 55(8), 1081-1097. |
APA Style
Novidzro, K. M., Abli, G. I., Megnassan, S., Koumaglo, K. H. (2025). Efficient Bioethanol Production from Yam Peel Waste via Acid Hydrolysis and Fermentation. Science Journal of Chemistry, 13(6), 167-178. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjc.20251306.11
ACS Style
Novidzro, K. M.; Abli, G. I.; Megnassan, S.; Koumaglo, K. H. Efficient Bioethanol Production from Yam Peel Waste via Acid Hydrolysis and Fermentation. Sci. J. Chem. 2025, 13(6), 167-178. doi: 10.11648/j.sjc.20251306.11
@article{10.11648/j.sjc.20251306.11,
author = {Kosi Mawuena Novidzro and Gnimdou Issanga Abli and Sassou Megnassan and Kossi Honore Koumaglo},
title = {Efficient Bioethanol Production from Yam Peel Waste via Acid Hydrolysis and Fermentation
},
journal = {Science Journal of Chemistry},
volume = {13},
number = {6},
pages = {167-178},
doi = {10.11648/j.sjc.20251306.11},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjc.20251306.11},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sjc.20251306.11},
abstract = {Food residues can be transformed into bioethanol, reducing CO2 and methane emissions while fostering sustainable development. This method provides a cost-effective way to enhance the value of non-edible food sources. Thus, yam peels produced as agro-industrial waste is perfect starting material for bioethanol production. The main goal of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of bioethanol production from yam peels. Thus, fresh peels are subjected to wet milling to obtain a starch-rich powder. The hydrolysis of dry extracts, optimized according to time, acid concentration, and dry extract (DE)/water volume ratio, is carried out by reflux heating in the presence of different concentrations of H2SO4 used as a catalyst. The ethanolic fermentation of the hydrolysate musts, after adjusting the pH to 4.5, is conducted in batch mode using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Fermentation monitoring is ensured by measuring °Brix with an Abbe refractometer, while the ethanol content is determined by the pycnometric method, in accordance with the recommendations of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). According to the results obtained, the optimal hydrolysis conditions include: an H2SO4 concentration of 8% (w/w), a dry extract (DE)/water volume ratio of 1:5 (g/mL), and a duration of 2 hours. These conditions yield an ethanol content of 6.72 ± 0.26% (v/v), corresponding to 264.97 ± 10.07 g EtOH/kg of dry matter. Wet milling provides better ethanol yields compared to dry milling. Finally, bioethanol production from yam peels prevents their degradation into CO2 and methane, which are greenhouse gases. The results from this study are important for the commercial production of bioethanol through a process of valorizing plant resources and reducing waste to promote the circular economy.
},
year = {2025}
}
TY - JOUR T1 - Efficient Bioethanol Production from Yam Peel Waste via Acid Hydrolysis and Fermentation AU - Kosi Mawuena Novidzro AU - Gnimdou Issanga Abli AU - Sassou Megnassan AU - Kossi Honore Koumaglo Y1 - 2025/11/22 PY - 2025 N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjc.20251306.11 DO - 10.11648/j.sjc.20251306.11 T2 - Science Journal of Chemistry JF - Science Journal of Chemistry JO - Science Journal of Chemistry SP - 167 EP - 178 PB - Science Publishing Group SN - 2330-099X UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjc.20251306.11 AB - Food residues can be transformed into bioethanol, reducing CO2 and methane emissions while fostering sustainable development. This method provides a cost-effective way to enhance the value of non-edible food sources. Thus, yam peels produced as agro-industrial waste is perfect starting material for bioethanol production. The main goal of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of bioethanol production from yam peels. Thus, fresh peels are subjected to wet milling to obtain a starch-rich powder. The hydrolysis of dry extracts, optimized according to time, acid concentration, and dry extract (DE)/water volume ratio, is carried out by reflux heating in the presence of different concentrations of H2SO4 used as a catalyst. The ethanolic fermentation of the hydrolysate musts, after adjusting the pH to 4.5, is conducted in batch mode using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Fermentation monitoring is ensured by measuring °Brix with an Abbe refractometer, while the ethanol content is determined by the pycnometric method, in accordance with the recommendations of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). According to the results obtained, the optimal hydrolysis conditions include: an H2SO4 concentration of 8% (w/w), a dry extract (DE)/water volume ratio of 1:5 (g/mL), and a duration of 2 hours. These conditions yield an ethanol content of 6.72 ± 0.26% (v/v), corresponding to 264.97 ± 10.07 g EtOH/kg of dry matter. Wet milling provides better ethanol yields compared to dry milling. Finally, bioethanol production from yam peels prevents their degradation into CO2 and methane, which are greenhouse gases. The results from this study are important for the commercial production of bioethanol through a process of valorizing plant resources and reducing waste to promote the circular economy. VL - 13 IS - 6 ER -