Phalaris aquatica L. lignocellulosic biomass as second generation bioethanol feedstock

Environmental impacts associated with the use of fossil fuels, rising prices, potential limitations in supply and concerns about regional and national security are driving the development and use of different biomass types for bioenergy and biofuels. One of them, lignocellulosic biomass, is found in abundance in perennial grass species. In our study we investigated at two regions of North Greece with different altitudes, the aboveground biomass production and lignocellulosic content of the perennial grass species Phalaris aquatica L. for bioethanol production. Subsequently, P. aquatica L. biomass underwent acid and enzymatic hydrolysis in order to release sugar monomers from the cell wall polymer matrix. The results indicated that P. aquatica L. could serve as a second-generation bioethanol feedstock in lowland areas of North Greece due to its higher biomass yield and lignocellulosic content than in upland areas. The results also showed that acid pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis could convert > 80% of structural carbohydrates to fermentable sugar monomers.