Typical characterization of argane pulp of various Moroccan areas: A new biomass for the second generation bioethanol production

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate the possibility of using argane pulp, for the first time, as a biomass for the second generation bioethanol (SGB) production. The application of this process would be a new way of valorization of the argane residues. To this end, comparative phytochemical composition study of argane pulp collected from nine different regions (coastal and semi-continental) of southwestern Morocco was investigated. ANOVA test demonstrated that the geoclimatic effect on the variation of these compounds was highly significant (p < 0.0001). The results showed the richness of argane pulp on cell wall and extractible carbohydrates compounds, which provide the possible use of this biomass for the bioethanol production. Additionally, the data revealed that there is a good theoretical potential to produce second generation bioethanol based on the collected sample. Keywords: Argane pulp, Second generation bioethanol, Valorization, Lignocellulosic biomass, Comparative chemical composition