Biogas production from cafeteria waste by anaerobic digestion

Islamic University of Technology, Boardbazar-1704, Gazipur, Bangladesh

^* Corresponding author: mhrahman@iut-dhaka.edu

Abstract

The world’s reliance on non-renewable energy sources is unsustainable, and biogas production from organic waste materials is a promising renewable energy source. However, there is a lack of technology and understanding surrounding biogas production and utilization. This study aimed to produce biogas at laboratory scale using cafeteria waste and to examine the processes of biogas production for variable factors such as retention time, pH level, and addition of bases. The findings showed that a mixture of papaya peels, water, cow manure, and a base produced an impressive 80.75% methane yield within 75 days under mesophilic conditions with a specific pH and temperature range. However, maintaining optimal pH and vacuum in a biogas chamber presents challenges, such as leakages and pH fluctuations. The optimal ratio for biogas production is a mixture of 45-50% organic matter and 55-60% water, with careful regulation of base addition to ensure maximum biogas production and optimal biogas quality. This study provides insights into biogas production and its potential as a viable biofuel alternative.