ABSTRACT

This research employed cow dung as a substrate to optimize biomethane production through anaerobic digestion. The study aimed to identify crucial factors and operational parameters influencing biogas production, with a specific focus on improving biomethane content to achieve efficient and sustainable renewable energy production, utilizing the Response Surface Methodology.

The feedstock underwent a series of analyses and optimization processes for biogas production. Initially, an EDXRF analysis indicated the presence of substantial elemental Calcium in the feedstock. Proximate and Ultimate Analyses revealed that the feedstock was predominantly composed of organic Carbon, a favourable characteristic for biogas production.

The bio-digester was utilized for anaerobic digestion of the feedstock to maximize biogas yield. Response Surface Methodology, particularly Box-Behnken Design, was implemented to optimize the process, taking into account factors such as Solvent Substrate Ratio, Resident Time, and Biocatalyst Load. The primary response variable was the Total Biogas Volume. Through analysis of variance, it was determined that Biocatalyst Load emerged as the most influential factor, underscoring its crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of biogas production.

The compositional analysis of the generated biogas revealed a high Methane content, with 660,000 ppm. This high Methane concentration highlighted the success of the optimization process and the feedstock's suitability for efficient biogas production.

In conclusion, the feedstock's composition and the optimization process's focus on Biocatalyst Load contributed to the successful production of biogas rich in Methane. This result emphasizes the feedstock's capability for renewable energy generation and underscores the necessity of optimizing crucial factors to augment biogas production. These findings hold promise for sustainable energy production and further research in this field.