Bioremediation of Lignocellulosic Waste Coupled to Production of Bioethanol

Abstract

The continuous increment in oil demand and the negative impact of fossil fuels on the environment makes the searching for alternative renewable fuels imperative. Currently, bioethanol, produced through the fermentation of corn, sugarbeet or sugarcane, is the most common renewable fuel. However, the use of edible biomass raises ethical issues, and it´s being accused of causing starvation in developing countries. Sugar sources that cannot be directly linked to food production are then considered the most appropriate substitute raw materials. Lignocellulosic biomass such as agricultural, and forestry residues are examples of these sources, that are produced in large quantities worldwide. However, the production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass is a promising technology and complex procedure that includes processes like lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation, and distillation. This chapter discusses some of the challenges and limitations involved in the sustainable bioethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass.