This study investigate the influence of temperature and agitation speed on fermentation process during the production of bioethanol from cassava using sabourand dextrose agar. The fermentation was carried out under various temperatures of 28oC, 30oC, 35oC and 37oC and agitation speed of 100, 150, 200, and 300rpm in a 250ml flask. The yield of bioethanol were 12%, 18%, 37% and 22% respectively. The glucose was also used to energize the agar sample and broth to keep the inoculum in liquid state for production of ethanol. Temperature has a remarkable influence on bioethanol production, suitable temperature in fermentation is good condition for organisms and fungal to grow allowing yeast to react properly. From the results it was observed that high temperature kills yeast while low temperature slows down yeast reaction. Agitation speed on the other hand is imperative for adequate mixing, heat and mass transfer. It determines mass transfer between phases in culturing and also maintains homogenous chemical and physical condition in culturing by continues mixing. Agitation creates shear force, which affects microorganisms, causing morphological changes, variation in their growth and product formation, also damage cell structure. This study thus, revealed that temperature of 35oC and agitation speed of 200rpm with pH of 4.5 prove more suitable for fermentation process resulting in higher bioethanol yield of 37%.
Citation: M.A., Muregi, M. S., Abolarin, O. J. ,Okegbile, and E. J., Eterigho, (2021) Influence of Temperature and Agitation Speed on Fermentation Process during Production of Bioethanol Fuel from Cassava, International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology Studies, Vol. 9, No.3, pp.40-46
Keywords: Fermentation, agitation speed and temperature, culturing