Conversion of paper waste to bioethanol using selected enzyme combination (cellulase and cellobiase) through simultaneous saccharification and fermentation

One of the relatively inexpensive alternative energy sources in terms of production and relatively environment friendly was the development of bioethanol from urban wastes that contain many lignocellulose such as paper waste. This study characterizes the composition of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin in blank HVS paper, inked HVS and newspaper. The results showed the predominate cellulose (49-60 %) while the lignin concentration was very low due to the removal of colors (lignin) in the manufacturing process. The experiments continued with synthesis of bioethanol through Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF) process. A combination of enzymes (Cellulase + Cellobiase) in 1:1 weight ratio and Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used for hydrolysis and fermentation in the SSF process. Paper waste from newspapers, inked HVS, and empty HVS papers were used as raw materials. The initial pH of SSF in the column was at pH 5. Variation of enzyme concentration was carried at 0.2, 0.3 and 0.5 g. The SSF process was carried out at incubation time of 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 hours. The ink affected the concentration of bioethanol produced. In this study, the best bioethanol content was produced by inked HVS and Newspapers at 0.5 grams of enzyme with a concentration of 1531 and 1111 ppm, respectively.