Biogas Production Using Cow Dung and Sawdust

Abstract

An investigation of the biogas generation capacity of sawdust and its mixture with cow dung in the ratio (1:2) was conducted. The experiment was performed in a 30-litre digester containing water, cow dung, and sawdust in a 3:1:2 ratio. Mineral elements such as Boric acid, NiSo_4, and CoSo₄ were added as micronutrients to improve methanogenic activity. The setup was allowed to undergo anaerobic digestion and monitored for a retention period of 20 days at temperatures ranging from 0 ℃ to 37 ℃ and pH levels ranging from 4.3 to 5.4. The results showed that the combination of sawdust and cow dung had a cumulative gas yield of 20.9g after 20 days with a significant increase noticed with increasing temperature. According to the study, sawdust that is either burned off or tossed away creating problems for the environment would be an excellent fuel for biogas generation. It also indicated that mixing sawdust with cow dung will offer continuous gas flammability throughout the digestion phase of the waste. The theory of waste to energy is supported by the generation of biogas from sawdust for improved sustainable development.