Anaerobic digestion and agricultural application of organic wastes

Abstract

The anaerobically digestion and agricultural application of organic wastes was conducted using food wastes and cow dung. Twenty kilograms each of the feed stocks was added into two 30 liters-capacity batch digesters. The anaerobic digestion was carried out within a temperature range of 25 – 31O C for a retention time of 51days. The results showed a cumulative gas yield of 5.0 bars for food waste and no gas production for cow dung within the retention time. Bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris and Clostridium sp were isolated. Fungi isolated included Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus nidulan, Trichophyton rubrum and Epidermophyton flocossum. The non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) analysis of the biogas produced confirmed that the gas consisted of CH4, CO2 and H2. Statistical analysis revealed there was no significant correlation between temperature and biogas produced from the organic wastes (r= 0.177, p = 0.483).The organic wastes from the biogas production process stimulated maize growth when compared to control (soil without organic waste) and indicated maximum height. The study therefore reveals that food waste as potential substrates for biogas production has a moderate bio-fertilizer potential for improving plant growth and yield when added to soil.