Evaluation of Ethanol Production Potential of Cassava Peels as a Lignocellulosic Feedstock in Delta State

Cassava peel, a lignocellulosic agricultural waste generated in substantial quantities by cassava processing industries across Nigeria, represents an underutilised feedstock for bioethanol production that could contribute to national renewable energy goals. This study evaluates the ethanol production potential of cassava peels collected from processing plants in Delta State, South South Nigeria. Peels are characterised for cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, moisture, and ash content using Van Soest fibre analysis and proximate methods. Pretreatment is performed using dilute sulphuric acid hydrolysis at varying concentrations and temperatures to maximise fermentable sugar release. Enzymatic saccharification employs cellulase and hemicellulase enzyme cocktails applied at optimised pH and temperature conditions. Fermentation uses Saccharomyces cerevisiae under anaerobic conditions and ethanol yield is determined by gas chromatography. Fermentation efficiency is calculated as a percentage of theoretical maximum yield based on glucose equivalents released during saccharification. Results are expected to demonstrate that acid-pretreated cassava peels yield comparable ethanol concentrations relative to conventional sugarcane bagasse feedstocks. The study provides feasibility data for small-scale bioethanol enterprise development in the cassava-processing corridor of Delta State and contributes to bioenergy policy formulation in South South Nigeria. Keywords: bioethanol, cassava peels, lignocellulosic, pretreatment, Delta State