The Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Sucrose, and Fermentation
Ethyl alcohol can be used as a fuel source in place of gasoline and other fossil fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The purpose of this experiment was to see how changing the amount of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and sucrose, and adjusting the temperature during fermentation may affect the volume of ethyl alcohol produced. This was done by first creating a mash by combining the desired amount of sucrose and S. cerevisiae with 200 mL of water. The mash was then left to ferment at the desired temperature in an incubator for 5 days. After the 5 days had passed, the mash was distilled. Finally, the ethyl alcohol was placed in a freezer for approximately 1 hour and then measured using a graduated cylinder. To analyze the data, 3 Three Factor Design of Experiments (DOEs) were conducted. The results of the DOEs concluded that temperature had the greatest effect on the volume of ethyl alcohol (13.50 mL). The mash with the greatest amounts of S. cerevisiae and sucrose, and that was fermented at the greatest temperature produced the greatest average volume of ethyl alcohol (35.83 mL), while the mash with the greatest amounts of S. cerevisiae and sucrose, and that was fermented at the lowest temperature produced the smallest average volume of ethyl alcohol (12.67 mL).
Research Conducted By:
Samuel Andrzejewski
Cousino High School
Mahbub Jahid
Center Line High School
Warren Consolidated Schools