Physicochemical, Chemical and Microbiological Characteristics of Vinasse, A By-product from Ethanol Industry

Abstract

Ethanol production through sugar juice or final mo lasses fermentation yieldsvinasse as a by-product. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of vinasse byproduct of Kenana Ethanol Factory through determination of some of its, physicochemical, chemical and microbiological characteristics. At temperature 28.3˚C, v inasse gave brix value of 11.01˚Bx, co lour (74061 M.A.U), and conductivity (22.90μ s/cm). The pro ximate chemical analysis showed high contents of mo isture (82.27 %), ash (10.60%), protein (6.20%), and very low carbohydrate content (0.93%). The total dissolved solids and total suspended solids found in vinasse were, 10500 mg/ l, and 4633.3 mg/l, respectively. Vinasse had a very high biological o xygen demand and chemical o xygen demand values, which were 36666.67 and 117000 mg/l, respectively. Vinasse had different amounts of minerals, calciu m (1734.67 mg/l) (macro mineral), however, its contents of copper, iron, manganese, and alumin iu m (micro mineral) were found to be 86, 17, 14, and 0.01mg/l, respectively. In addition, vinasse samples were devoid o f all microbial groups. Based on the results it is reco mmended to use vinasse effluents as a raw material to produce fertilizers, and drying to powder to add as an animal feed ingredient. Keyword Vinasse, Sugarcane, Ethanol, Physicochemical Characteristic