TITLE: PRODUCTION OF BIOETHANOL USING COMMON AND RARE YAM SPECIES

Abstract

This study investigates the production of bioethanol from three different yam species: Dioscorea Cayenensis, Dioscorea Bulbifera, and Dioscorea Rotundata, using hydrolysis, fermentation, and distillation processes. Yams are chosen due to their high starch content, making them a viable substrate for bioethanol production. The process involved preparing phosphate buffers, enzymatic hydrolysis to break down starch into fermentable sugars, followed by fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and distillation to extract ethanol. The ethanol yields were found to be 13.06% for Dioscorea Rotundata, 15.92% for Dioscorea Cayenensis, and 15.51% for Dioscorea Bulbifera. Recent research corroborates the potential of using yam and other tubers for bioethanol production, pointing out their efficiency and sustainability as alternative energy sources. This research study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on bioethanol production from non-traditional sources, emphasizing the role of local varieties in enhancing biofuel yields. The findings indicate that underutilized yam species can provide significant ethanol yields, offering a sustainable solution to energy needs and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.