The Effects of Temperature and Length of Fermentation on Bioethanol Production from Arenga Plant (Arenga pinnata MERR)

Abstract

Bioethanol is a fuel extracted from plant. Bioethanol can be extracted from cassava, sweet potato, sugarcane, corn, grain sorghum, sweet sorghum, sagoo, palms, coconut and rice. The aren palm is the most potential source of bioethanol, and as one of the most productive raw material of bioethanol. A research is needed to be able to produce bioethanol in a simple way so that it can be applayed by society. In this study, the effects of temperature (T) and length of fermentation (t) on ethanol production was examined. Temperature used is 27 ^oC and 32 ^oC. Samples from each treatment will be taken every 24 hours, starting from third days, which is 72 hours (H3), 96 hours (H4), 120 hours (H5), 144 hours (H6) and 168 hours (H7). Analysis performed includes changes in the sugar content, pH, total acid and ethanol content. The results showed that sugar content and pH decreased with increasing fermentation time, in both temperature, 27 ^oC and 32 ^oC. In contrast total acid was increased with increasing fermentation time. Increase in total acid is related to the formation of acids during fermentation. Ethanol content increased with increasing fermentation time in both 27 ^oC and 32 ^oC, though, the increase was higher at 32 ^oC. Highest ethanol content was obtained on day 5 in temperatures 32 ^oC.