Evaluation of paper sludges for amenability to enzymatic hydrolysis and conversion to ethanol

Fortyfour sludges from 39 paper mills were characterized with respect to composition, and 36 of these sludges were examined with respect to enzymatic hydrolysis and conversion to ethanol in a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) system consisting of a commercial fungal cellulase preparation and fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Dewaterability and neutralization requirements were also evaluated for selected sludges.