Biomethanation of Water Hyacinth, Poultry Litter, Cow Manure and Primary Sludge: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Facing energy crisis and climate change, the world is in need of a green, efficient, carbon-neutral energy source to replace fossil fuels. Biogas, produced by biomethanation of organic materials, contributes to sustainable, reliable and renewable energy. There is potential for biogas production from animal manure, energy crops and industrial wastes not only because the wastes themselves can be treated to minimize the environmental impact, but also for biofuel methane, which holds promise for the future. In the present study biomethanation of fresh water hyacinth, dry water hyacinth, poultry litter, cow manure and primary sludge were studied in a series of laboratory experiments using 250 ml biodigesters with 7% total solids and 60 days retention time. The digester fed with poultry litter produced highest biogas of 0.39 liters/g VS followed by the digester fed with primary sludge (0.28 liters/g VS).