Utilization of Aratilis (Muntingiacalabura) as Feedstock for Bioethanol

Macasinag, John Paulo H.; Joson, Jonas S.; Pante, Jonel B.

Magpale, Vincent; Ybalez, Kent Nehemiah

 Research Adviser: Mrs. Ma. Regaele A. Olarte

CHAMPION - National Science and Youth Congress

Youth Greenovation 2014 - Applied Science Category

University of the Philippines, Los Banos

INTRODUCTION

   Production of green energy from indigenous materials has played an essential role in recent days due to the depletion of non-renewable energy resources. Viable alternative sources of energy have long been searched for in the midst of the increasing demand of for fossil fuels. People are already upset by the high fuel prices, and in reality they are likely to go much higher in the future. Thus, an alternative fuel source such as bioethanol can save the consumption and dependency on fuel wood.

Aritilis (Muntingiacalabura)is a fruit-bearing tree that is abundant in many regions of the Philippines, and because of its plentiful growth, it is sometimes considered as nuisance whenever it produces too much waste on the ground where it falls off. This made the researchers decide to use aratilis fruit as the main material in producing bioethanol considering that it is rich in starch that is convertible to sugar, which is then processed to become bioethanol.

Background of the Study

Bioethanol is a renewable fuel source. It is produced from plants that process and store energy from the sun. In a sustainable cropping system, plant feedstock could be produced year after year. Regions of the world that were without crude oil deposits could consider fuel farming as a long term solution to offset their energy needs and foreign oil dependency.

 Bioethanol can be made from common crops such as sugar cane, sweet sorghum, and the like; unlike petroleum which is produced from agricultural feedstock. It burns more clearly and produces very little amount of carbon monoxide which can help in reducing pollution in our country. It is also renewable, making it more practical and affordable.

Aratilis fruit is a starchy substrate which can be utilized for the production of green energy, bio-ethanol.Ethanol from starch is generally produced by the fermentation process.In order to produce ethanol from starchy material, the starch must first be converted into sugars.