Waste-Energy: Feasibility Study of Watermelon (Endocarp) Waste as Raw-Material for Bio-Fuel Prodution

Abstract

Waste to energy plays an important role in fulfilling the world’s future demands. The continuous climatic change which is primarily caused by the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases from the continuous use of fossil fuel due to high demand of energy in our society has affected the human race negatively over the years. Similarly, the improper disposal of agricultural waste (watermelon waste) in markets and environs creates pungent smell overtime and attracts harmful organisms in our environment, destroying the aesthetics of the market, therefore, making it environmentally unsafe for man. This paper therefore describes how feasible it is to produce bio-ethanol from agricultural waste with a focus on water melon. The waste was gotten from the market and processed to get the endocarp after which a locally fabricated juicing machine was utilized for extraction of the juice from the endocarp of watermelon waste. The fermentation pot housed 60 litres of juice for 5 days and laboratory test analysis was carried out during the period of fermentation, this was to monitor the progression of fermentation. The distillate produced 65.25% alcohol content with a volume of 19.5 litres. The utilization of watermelon waste for bio-ethanol production if exploited will lead to environmental sustainability, energy efficiency and waste to wealth.