BIOGAS PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION FROM CO-DIGESTION OF CATTLE DUNG WITH MAIZE COB

Abstract

Biogas technology is taking root in Nigeria in line with the global quest for a transition to sustainable renewable energies. This study investigates the co-digestion of cattle dung and maize cob waste for enhanced biogas production in laboratory-scale digesters. Three digesters were set up under varying experimental conditions. The results demonstrated that cattle dung and maize cob co-digestion significantly enhanced biogas production (410.20 mL) in the digester with the most optimal organic loading rate. The study showed that optimal inoculum-to-substrate ratio and organic loading rate promote the early onset of biogas production due to enhanced microbial activity. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that retention time (RT) and I/S ratio were key factors influencing biogas yield. Methane content ranged from 53.00 % in the control to 60.80 % in D2, and hydrogen sulphide concentrations were reduced in D2 compared to the control. These findings show that the co-digestion of cattle dung and maize cob waste optimizes biogas yield, and methane content, and reduces harmful gas emissions. The study demonstrates the importance of substrate selection, organic loading rate, and retention time for efficient biogas.