Work

Quality and quantity of bioethanol produced from brewing banana varieties of Musa acuminate cultivars

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Brewing banana cultivars (Musa acuminata) grown in the Kagera region of Tanzania typically avoided as staple foods due to their unpleasant taste were investigated as a sustainable feedstock for bioethanol production. This study aimed to evaluate the sugar content and alcohol yield of juice extracted from eight banana varieties and assess their potential for commercial and domestic applications. Concentrated juice mixtures 2 and 1 exhibited significantly higher total soluble solids (23.25 ± 0.2 and 23.08 ± 0.15°Brix, respectively; p ≤ 0.05), while Kilomita showed the highest °Brix in diluted juice (14.42 ± 0.20). Initial bioethanol yields ranged from 10.5 ± 0.22% to 39.7 ± 0.21% v/v, which increased to 80% v/v after re-distillation. The resulting bioethanol is suitable for use in beverages, cooking, lighting, and fuel applications. These findings demonstrate that bioethanol production from brewing bananas is cost-effective and environmentally friendly, offering a viable alternative energy source without competing with food supply chains.

Source: Cogent Food & Agriculture

DOI: 10.1080/23311932.2025.2572439

Authors: Lewis Atugonza Mtashobya, Eliud Clemence Msigala, Debora John Mahushi, Jonas Gervas Balengayabo, Jovine Kamuhabwa Emmanuel

Institution: Ardhi University

Language: English

Topic: Biofuel production and bioconversion

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: University of Dar es Salaam