Effect of reduced sulfur compounds on the fermentation of phosphoric acid pretreated sugarcane bagasse by ethanologenic Escherichia coli

► Sodium metabisulfite reduced the toxicity of bagasse hydrolysates allowing fermentation. ► Escherichia coli MM160 metabolized glucose and cellobiose in undetoxified hydrolysates. ► Sodium metabisulfite changed spectra at wavelengths corresponding to furfural and lignin. ► Xylose utilization lagged and was improved by sodium metabisulfite. ► The overall yield for this L + SScF process was 0.20 g ethanol/g bagasse dry weight, 250 L/tonne.