Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process for converting the cellulosic fraction of olive oil extraction residue into ethanol.

Abstract

In this work, the residue generated in the new two-step centrifugation process for olive oil extraction is assessed for the production of bioethanol. Both olive pulp and fragmented stones fractions comprised in such residue are analyzed and tested at laboratory scale for bioconversion to ethanol by a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process. Firstly, optima conditions for the enzymatic hydrolysis step of steam-exploded pretreated sustrates were determined. Then, simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process was assayed using the thermotolerant yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus in different assay conditions. For the selected conditions, 9 kg of unpretreated pulp or 6 kg of pretreated fragmented stones (both based on dry matter) would be necessary to obtain 1 liter of ethanol.

Keywords

• bioethanol
• pretreatment
• olive oil extraction residue
• simultaneous saccharification and fermentation