Laboratory Scale Biogas Production and EvaluationUsing Different Substrates

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the potential of different readily availableagricultural wastes for the production of biogas. Cattle manure, sugar cane bagasse,chicken manure, liquid slaughter house wastes and a 1:1( w/w) combination of cattle andchicken manure were tested for biogas generation at retention time of 15,30,45 and 65days. By taking one month predigested fresh cattle slurry as a starter culture, 10% drymatter of the substrates were digested in newly constructed 5 litters plastic bio digesterat ambient temperature. The result showed that a maximum methane production of54.7% for cattle manure, 50% for sugar cane bagasse, 30.7% for chicken manure and65% for the 1:1 combination of cattle and chicken manure. However, the 1:1 cattle andchicken manure appeared as the best potential raw materials for biogas production(65%, n=3) with in retention time of 30 days. In conclusion, the tested agriculturalwastes showed variable biogas production potential on different retention times.Therefore, anaerobic digestion of agricultural wastes in proper incubation periodenables to get maximum concentration of methane, which is considered as green energyand eco-friendly that fosters sustainable development in energy utilization.