Process optimization and yield enhancement of bioethanol production from Musa paradisiaca peel waste

The growing global demand for energy and the depletion of fossil fuels create serious challenges for energy security and increasing environmental problems such as pollution, global warming, rising sea levels, and CO₂ emissions. Switching to low-carbon fuels is necessary to fight climate change. Bioethanol, a renewable fuel made from plants, offers a sustainable way to meet energy needs while reducing environmental impact. This study investigates the use of Musa paradisiaca peels, an underutilized agro-waste, for bioethanol production. Different parts of the plant, including pseudostem, leaves, roots, peels, and bunch stalk, were tested. Among these, peels produced the highest levels of reducing sugars and bio-alcohol, making them the most effective carbon substrate for further optimization. Fermentation conditions were optimized step by step by altering one factor at a time while maintaining all other parameters constant. The optimization process involved determining the ideal fermentation time, hydrolysis agent, sulfuric acid concentration, yeast inoculum size, and substrate amount. Under the optimized conditions, a 40-hour fermentation time, the use of 0.75M sulfuric acid as the hydrolysis agent, 100 g/L yeast inoculum, and 75 g/100 mL substrate concentration resulted in a significant 8.15-fold increase in bio-alcohol yield compared to the non-optimized conditions. Analysis by GC revealed that the amount of ethanol in the crude alcohol sample was 89.6%. This study shows an effective way to convert banana peels into high purity bioethanol, supporting sustainable waste management and circular bioeconomy strategies.