Production of biogas from co-substrates using cow dung, pig dung, and vegetable waste: A case study in Cambodia

Abstract

<p>Sustainable waste management and renewable energy are crucial, particularly in Cambodia, where environmental concerns are rising. Organic waste, including cow dung (<italic>CD</italic>), pig dung (<italic>PD</italic>), and vegetable waste (<italic>VW</italic>), offers a promising source for biogas production and clean and renewable energy. However, the efficiency of this biogas production depends on the type of waste and processing conditions. We evaluated the quality, composition, and volume of biogas generated from organic waste, specifically <italic>CD</italic>, <italic>PD</italic>, and <italic>VW</italic>. Three experimental conditions were tested: 10 kg of <italic>CD</italic> with 10 liters of water, 5 kg of <italic>CD</italic> mixed with 5 kg of <italic>PD</italic> and 10 liters of water, and 5 kg of <italic>CD</italic> mixed with 5 kg of VW and 10 liters of water. As a result, the conversion of pure <italic>CD</italic> yielded a total volume of biogas up to 0.391 m³, with a methane percentage (<italic>CH</italic>_{<italic>4</italic>}) of 69.18%. The <italic>CD</italic> mixed with <italic>PD</italic>, which produced only 0.362 m³ of biogas with a <italic>CH</italic>_{<italic>4</italic>} of 65.51%, and <italic>CD</italic> mixed with <italic>VW</italic>, which yielded a total biogas volume of only 0.319 m³ with a <italic>CH</italic>_{<italic>4</italic>} of 68.17%. From the result, it can be concluded that the bioconversion of pure <italic>CD</italic> into biogas was the most efficient compared to the other two conditions.</p>