Second-Generation Biofuel Production from Rice Husks: Quantification of Glucose Utilizing Dinitrosalicylic Acid Analysis

Authors: Omar Mohamed, Barnabas Gikonyo, Dylan Herstek, Marshall Mclure, Lucy DeWispelaere

SUNY Campus: SUNY Geneseo

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: Old Union Hall

Presentation #: 59

Timeslot: Session A 9:00-10:00 AM

Abstract: For decades, dependence on fossil fuels has led to excessive greenhouse gas emissions, significantly advancing global warming. Greenhouse gases trap heat within Earth’s atmosphere, ultimately preventing its escape into space and intensifying climate change. As concerns over climate change grow, the search for renewable energy alternatives has become increasingly more urgent. Biomass energy presents a promising and sustainable resolution. First-generation biofuels, derived from carb-rich crops (rice and potatoes), pose challenges due to their competition with food supplies, increasing prices globally. To address this issue, researchers have turned to second-generation biofuels, which utilize lignocellulosic materials-inedible structural parts of plants-as a renewable source of ethanol. Our study focuses on rice husks, one of the most abundant agricultural byproducts, to evaluate its potential as an efficient biofuel source. The biomass is pretreated with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride to drive glucose extraction. The resulting glucose concentration is then measured using dinitrosalicylic acid analysis and glucose refractometry. The quantified glucose levels serve as an indicator of potential ethanol yield through fermentation, offering a viable and sustainable energy alternative.