Physical, Chemical and Biomethanation Characteristics of Stratified Cattle-Manure Slurry

Abstract

In the quiescent state, cattle-manure slurry stratifies into three discernible layers, namely a floating scum layer, a bottom sludge layer and a watery middle layer. The proportions of top (scum), middle and bottom (sludge) layers were approximately 20, 60 and 20% respectively of the volume of the whole slurry. Particulate matter from the different stratified layers was characterised for particle size distribution and cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin composition. Total solids concentrations of top, middle and bottom layers were 12.7, 2.8 and 7.4% respectively. Larger particles were found in the top layer compared with the bottom. The top layer contained the highest amounts of Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF), Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF), cellulose and hemicellulose, but the lowest amount of Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN). The bottom layer contained the highest amounts of Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL) and TKN. With increase in particle size, there were increases in NDF, ADF, cellulose and hemicellulose, accompanied by decreases in ADL and TKN. Biochemical methane potential of the three layers was also measured. The top layer was found to produce the most methane with the middle layer producing the least. Biomethanation rate from the top layer was also the highest. Differences in biomethanation rates and biochemical methane potential were attributed to differences in chemical composition of the particulate matter. About 48%, 23% and 30% of the total chemical oxygen demand (COD) in the top, middle and bottom layers respectively of the slurry was found to be degradable.