Highlighting the reuse potential of molasses (Panela Honey), a neglected sugar in- dustry by-product, through its proximate analysis in Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Suitable methodologies and modern research facilities such as gas chromatography (GC) coupled with atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) were used to characterize sugarcane molasses in order to foresee its reuse potential, as it has long been considered as a neglected by-product of the sugar industry in Côte d’Ivoire. The results showed that molasses dry matters (DM) contain about 75% of simple sugars essentially made up of sucrose (62.50%), glucose (14.38%) and fructose (14.39%). Proteins and nitrogen represent 5.45% and 0.87% of the DM respectively. The ashes representing 16.61% of DM were full of potassium (K⁺) with a rate of 45,209 ± 34.94 mg/kg. Lesser contents in magnesium (Mg²⁺: 2,109 mg/kg), calcium (Ca²⁺: 2,050 mg/kg), sodium (Na⁺: 551 mg/kg), phosphorus (PO³⁻: 260 mg/kg), iron (Fe²⁺: 166 mg/kg), manganese (Mn²⁺: 23 mg/ kg), zinc (Zn²⁺: 6 mg/kg) and copper (Cu²⁺: 4 mg/kg) were also quantified. These interesting contents in crude proteins, nitrogen and various essential minerals make molasses, an important by-product of the sugar industry, as it can be reused as a fertilizer in agriculture and as an ingredient in the preparation of certain foods for new-borns and pregnant women. The high content of simple carbohydrates makes molasses an ideal raw material for the production of bioethanol, a high value added and environmentally friendly product of global relevant interest.