THE POTENTIAL OF COW DUNG FOR BIOGAS GENERATION AS A SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE FOR CONVENTIONAL DOMESTIC COOKING GAS.

Abstract

The increasing global demand for energy, coupled with the environmental concerns associated with the use of fossil fuels, has intensified the search for sustainable and eco-friendly energy alternatives. Among these alternatives, biogas has emerged as a promising solution due to its renewable nature and potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, environmental degradation and ensure energy security. In this study, a biodigester was developed to produce biogas from biowaste feedstock (the cow dung). The biogas produced from the system is potentially an alternative source of energy for conventional household cooking. Apart from providing alternative fuel, the slurry product of this system is a valuable fertiliser for plants and crops. The research focuses on the anaerobic digestion process, wherein cow dung undergoes microbial degradation to produce biogas, primarily composed of methane. Through experimentation and analysis, the efficiency of biogas production from cow dung is evaluated, considering factors such as temperature, retention time, and feedstock composition. Result shows that the use of bio-waste like cow dung to generate biogas that can be utilised as a fuel will ensure a value-added waste disposal scheme while providing an additional energy source that is environmentally friendly. The findings offer insights into optimising biogas production from cow dung, making it a viable and sustainable solution for households.