Experimental Investigation of Biogas Yielding Rate from Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Multiple Organic Feedstocks Using a Bio-digester

Background: The high cost of fossil fuels has driven the exploration of renewable energy alternatives. This study investigates the anaerobic co-digestion of waterleaf, cow dung, and food waste to optimize biogas production. Methods: Four co-digestion experiments were performed using a prototype plastic bio-digester over ۵۰ days. The combinations tested were: waterleaf with cow dung, waterleaf with food waste, food waste with cow dung, and a mix of all three feedstocks. Results: Co-digestion of waterleaf and food waste yielded an average biogas output of ۲۵%, with a pH of ۷.۲ and a carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio of ۲۸. Combining waterleaf and cow dung produced a ۳۱% yield, a pH of ۷.۲, and a C/N ratio of ۲۹. The mixture of food waste and cow dung resulted in a ۳۴% biogas yield, with a pH of ۷.۱ and a C/N ratio of ۳۰. The highest yield, ۴۶%, was achieved by co-digesting waterleaf, cow dung, and food waste, with a pH of ۷ and a C/N ratio of ۳۲. All feedstock combinations maintained neutral pH levels, benefiting from the unique properties of each component: waterleaf provided vitamins A and C, food waste supplied carbohydrates and proteins, and cow dung contributed anaerobic microbes essential for digestion. Additionally, temperature was a significant factor influencing biogas production. Conclusion: Co-digesting waterleaf, cow dung, and food waste maximized biogas production, demonstrating the potential for enhanced renewable energy generation through optimized anaerobic digestion processes.

کلیدواژه ها:

Biogas ، anaerobic digestion ، Energy ، Organic feedstock ، Co-digestion