An Enhanced Biogas Production from Organic Waste and Biotech Culture

Abstract

This project aimed to produce bio-fertiliser and recycle organic waste into Biogas (bio-methane) as an alternative
to traditional renewable energy production methods that use inorganic fertiliser. Anaerobic bacteria, specifically
methanogenic bacteria, were used to break down solid waste in an air-tight environment or closed system called a
biodigester or bioreactor. This process resulted in the production of Biogas, or biomethane, which contains methane
(CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) as its primary elements. All gases, including methane,
hydrogen, and carbon monoxide (CO2), can burn or be oxidised by oxygen, allowing Biogas to be used as a fuel
source. To create the Biogas, three biodigesters were constructed. The first biodigester was filled with water and
cow dung (1 dm3 + 1 dm3), the second with solid waste and water (1.5 dm3 + 0.5 dm3), and the third with biotech
culture and cow dung (2 dm3) and was designated as Control-K. After a homogenisation and stabilisation period of
4-12 days, each biodigester produced Biogas, and the slurry, or liquid component, was collected and used as a liquid
fertiliser (biofertiliser).