Optimization of biogas production through anaerobic co-digestion of blackwater and food waste

Abstract

The current study intended to optimize Biogas Production through Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Blackwater and Food Waste. It’s interesting to note that food waste and blackwater co-digestion for the production of renewable energy in order to simultaneously address the energy crisis and waste management. This study examined the effects of temperature (30–45 °C), pH (6–8), and C/N ratio (20:1–35:1) using Design Expert Version 13, Response Surface Methodology technique. The C/N ratio has a significant impact on biogas generation and methane from its yield, according to a Box-Behnken Design. The process’s numerical optimization revealed that 37.5 °C temperature, 7 pH, and a 27.5:1 C/N ratio were the ideal parameters for specific biogas production (SBP) and biomethane. At this ideal point, the greatest SBP and biomethane values were 0.464 l/g-CODrem and 74.68%, respectively. At a 0.05 level of probability (P < 0.05), significance was subsequently accepted. Highly statistically significant regression model equations with R2 = 99.97% and R2 = 99.99% for SBP and methane content, respectively, were obtained from the analysis of the experimental trial data. The results of the study suggest that a feasible method of providing affordable, clean energy to Ethiopian rural people.