Lignocellulosic Biomass from Sabkha Native Vegetation: A New Potential Source for Fiber-Based Bioenergy and Bio-Materials

Abstract

Sabkhas are home to many xero-halophytes that could be considered renewable resources for various fiber industries. Lignocellulosic fibers of these plants are proposed as raw material for bioenergy production. Nowadays, ethanol is the major biofuel in use. In this paper, fiber composition of 21 xero-halophytic species from Tunisian sabkhas was evaluated using Ankom 200 Fiber Analyzer and compared with that obtained by other studies. The lignocellulosic biomass of xero-halophytes can be considered as an attractive raw material for the future application for the production of bioethanol, paper of good quality, and reinforcement polymers. Two perennial species are considered an important source of bioethanol production which are Sarcocornia fruticosa and Aristida pungens. Suaeda fruticosa from Tunisia can be used in the production of high-quality lightweight paper.