Parameters affecting biogas production from cow-dung and fruit/vegetable wastes: An empirical study

Abstract

In order to enhance the performance of a biogas generation process and increase local production yield, certain operating parameters need to be controlled. This study investigated some parameters affecting biogas production from cow-dung and fruit/vegetable wastes. The factors studied were; temperature, pH and nutrient addition to the substrate. From the results obtained, mesophillic temperature of 25-35 °C, pH of 8 and the addition of nutrient - CaCO3 and NH3 in the ratio of 5g: l dm3 are the conditions for best yield. With the following conditions, a gas volume of 1450 g (1.45 kg) was obtained on the 6th day of anerobic digestion of cow dung co-digested with fruits/vegetable wastes. This proves that the production of cooking gas from plants and animal wastes is a feasible project and can be used to create wealth.