PRODUCTION OF BIOGAS FROM AN INVASIVE WEED BIOMASS (Argemone ochroleuca L.) CO-DIGESTED WITH COW MANURE UNDER ANAEROBIC CONDITON

Abstract

Biogas is an alternative and renewable energy source produced through anaerobic digestion of organic matter whereby the organic matter is converted into a combustible gas rich in methane (CH4),solid residue(sludge) and a liquid effluent. The aim of this study was production of biogas from Argemone ochroleuca co-digested with cow manure under mesophilic conditions (38ºC) using batch digester for 30 days of fermentation time. The experimental design was completely random design with three replications of a five treatments (substrate types) composed of 100% cow manure or Argemone ochroleuca; a mix of 75% cow manure and 25% Argemone ochroleuca; 50% cow manure and 50% Argemone ochroleuca and 25% cow manure and 75% Argemone ochroleuca. In all treatments physicochemical parameters such as total solids, volatile solid, organic carbon, nitrogen, carbon to nitrogen ratio and pH were measured both initial and final anaerobic digestion. Results showed that the treatment composed of Argemone ochroleuca and cow manure gave more biogas yield than the substrates digested alone. However, of all mix ratios, 25% cow manure and 75% Argemone ochroleuca(Treatment four,T4) resulted in the highest (1087.7ml) biogas yield. Therefore, this mix ratio is optimal for effective biogas optimization from Argemone ochroleuca in the presence of cow manure.