This study aims to investigate the utilization ability of Phragmites australis (Cav.) and Typha domingensis (Pers.) plants native to Burullus Lake at the Mediterranean coast of Egypt in biofuel mass production. The two plant samples were collected from ten locations at the lake during summer and winter seasons while, their growth criteria and productivity were investigated monthly. Also their energy rich compounds were measured. The results show that the two plants grow excessively in the lake and recorded high growth activity at winter season. Both plants were harvested during summer season. At winter season which has high rain and low temperature, both plants acquired high efficiency for growing new shoots and under water rhizomes. Carbohydrates (cellulose and hemicellulose) metabolism was meanly during spring and early summer. Double dry mass production per meter square was in Phragmites australis whereas only 25% higher in Typha domingensis at winter season. Also, high concentrations of secondary metabolites were produced especially lignin in the two plants during winter season and in Phragmites australis than in Typha domingensis. The high content of bioenergetics compounds especially cellulose and hemicellulose in both plants enables to utilize them in biofuel (Bioethanol) production. Pure ethanol was produced from the two plants with a reasonable quantity evaluating them for production of high quality biofuel.
Key words: Typha domingensis Phragmites australis Biofuel, Carbohydrates, Cellulose, Hemicellulose
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