Lignocellulosics are most viable raw materials which can be utilised for the fermentative production of ethanol. However, to convert then for biodegradation /hydrolysis these need to be pretreated by various methods. In the present study biodegradability/digestibility of bagasse has been increased using different physical and chemical methods. The reagents used for pretreatment of lignocellulosic waste are NaOH, H 2 SO 4 and HCl whereas grinding, milling, steam explosion have been used as physical methods. In all the methods used significant removal of lignin has been obtained, which ranged from 32-85%. Alkali treatment and steam explosion gave best results. Sulphuric acid too was effective in removing of lignin and increasing the digestibility of cellulose but hydrochloric acid was comparatively less effective and required more time and drastic experimental condition.

Keywords: Lignocellulosic Waste, Pretreatment, Delignification, Lignin.