The production of bioethanol from groundnut shells using Schizosaccharomyces pombe as the fermenting yeast was studied. The pretreatment and hydrolysis process successfully convert the lignocellulosic components of groundnut shells into fermentable sugars, generating a reducing sugar concentration of 213.83 mg/dL. Fermentation generated 65.00mL of bioethanol with a percentage yield of 21.67% portraying the potential of groundnut shells as a second generation feedstock for bioethanol production. Physicochemical results of the produced bioethanol revealed a density of 0.789 g/cm³, kinematic viscosity of 1.14 cSt, and pH of 7.2, that conform to the ASTM standards, but the boiling point (69°C) was below the ASTM reference value (78.37°C) signifying the presence of lighter volatile compounds. The flash point (14°C) and fire point (21°C) confirmed the fuel’s safety and combustibility. Overall, the results highlight groundnut shells as a promising, low cost feedstock for bioethanol production, though further optimization of pretreatment and fermentation processes is required to enhance yield and fuel quality.

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