Abstract

REVELES SAUCEDO, Fanny Olivia et al. Identification of plant species with potential use in liquid biofuels production in Durango, Mexico. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2010, vol.1, n.1, pp.45-54. ISSN 2007-0934.

In Mexico alternative plant material is needed for the biofuels industry in order to avoid the use of human food crops. The objective was to identify plant species with potential use in liquid biofuels production in the state of Durango, Mexico. Fifty six random samples were taken for tubercles, stalks, fruits, seeds, exudates and juice of wild and cultivated plants. Proximate analysis were performed to evaluate fat, nitrogen-free extract (water soluble carbohydrates) and protein content. Total reducing sugars content and °Bx were also determined in species intended for ethanol production such as mesquite (Prosopis laevigata) and sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). For ethanol production water dissolved mesquite pod-flour and sweet sorghum juice were fermented using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Highly significant (p<0.01) differences were observed among species for fat, nitrogen-free extract and protein. Species selected for biodiesel production using higher fat content as selection criterion were mexican prickly poppy (Argemone spp.) (39.8% ± 0.02) and castor bean (Ricinus communis) M2 (38.2% ± 2.9). Highest nitrogen-free extracts were observed in mesquite gum (92.4% ± 0.3) and tubercles of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) M1 (86.0% ± 0.3) y M2 (84.8% ± 0.1) and buffalo gourd (Cucurbita foetidissima) (80.5% ± 0.2). For ethanol production plant species were selected according to its availability and higher alcohol yield, such as sweet sorghum (42% ± 4) and mesquite (20% ± 0.5). Highest protein content was observed in pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita spp.) M2 (32.6% ± 0.3) and M1 (30.4% ± 0.2), buffalo gourd (28.7% ± 0.2) and privet fruits (Ligustrum spp.) (24.5% ± 0.3). There are alternative plants that can be used for biofuels production avoiding the utilization of food crops.

Keywords : agro-industry; biofuels; inputs.

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