Biogas Production Research Articles

Energizing the future: Unleashing the potential of innovative waste-to-energy technologies for energy development and sustainability within Zimbabwe's tourism sector.

Zimbabwe's tourism industry, renowned for its natural wonders and cultural heritage, faces a looming energy crisis rooted in the detrimental over-reliance on fossil fuels and the underutilization of substantial waste resources that lie dormant. The article investigates multifaceted relationship between six independent variables: landfill gas recovery and anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis and gasification, incineration, biogas production, biodiesel production, ethanol production and syngas fermentation and one dependent variable: energy development and sustainability. In this study, a quantitative methodology was adopted, involving the gathering of data from 519 stakeholders in the tourism supply chain through a simple random sampling technique, with the sample size determined using the Krejcie and Morgan table. The distribution of questionnaires was facilitated through Google Forms, and the data analysis was conducted using Smart PLS. Statistical findings indicate direct significant relationship between variables, and t-statistic values all hypotheses were all greater than the threshold of 1.96, ranging from a minimum of 2.911 to a maximum of 9.431. These findings underscore the robustness of the relationships between the waste-to-energy technologies and energy development and sustainability within Zimbabwe's tourism sector. This empirical evidence highlights the substantial potential for these innovative technologies to play a pivotal role in mitigating the energy crisis and fostering sustainable energy development.

Sustainability Assessment of Agricultural Waste Biogas Production System in China Based on Emergy and Carbon Evaluation Methods

Biogas production is widely recognized as an effective solution for addressing agricultural waste treatment in rural areas. However, its development is often hindered by economic and environmental constraints. This study combined emergy evaluation and carbon footprint analysis methods to establish a new environmental radius assessment model for evaluating the ecological performance and optimization direction of an agricultural waste biogas production system, using a biogas production company in China as a case study. Compared with the straw return model and straw power generation model, the results of emergy indicators and carbon accounting showed that the biogas production model had a lower environmental load and higher economic output and level of emergy sustainability. Additionally, the biogas production system was found to reduce 0.47 kg of carbon emissions per 1 kg of agricultural waste utilized. The application of the biogas production model in rural areas had high ecological sustainability and carbon emission reduction benefits. Environmental radius assessment results confirmed that the reasonable changes in resource collection distance could further enhance the ecological sustainability, carbon mitigation ability, and economic benefits of the biogas production system. The environmental radius assessment method offers a new approach to the location planning of agricultural waste biogas utilization companies in rural areas.

Microalgae–Nanoparticle Systems as an Alternative for Biogas Upgrading: A Review

Anaerobic digestion is a well-established technology for the sustainable production of biogas. However, to be used as a substitute for natural gas or as vehicle fuel, it is necessary to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) and other contaminants from biogas that can compromise the useful life of combustion engines. Upgraded biogas is known as biomethane (>95% methane content). This work reviews the different technologies used for upgrading biogas, emphasizing microalgae–nanoparticle systems, representing a more sustainable and environmentally friendly system. Parameters affecting these systems performance are discussed, and the trends and areas of opportunity for subsequent work are evaluated through a bibliometric analysis.

Anaerobic digestion of agricultural waste for biogas production and sustainable bioenergy recovery: a review

AbstractAnaerobic digestion constitutes a sustainable method for waste management and renewable energy generation, addressing significant environmental and societal challenges. The growing global waste crisis and the increasing momentum toward sustainable energy solutions emphasize the critical need to enhance anaerobic digestion technology for improved efficiency and environmental advantages. This process mitigates waste accumulation, enhances energy security, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, providing a feasible solution within the framework of a circular bioeconomy. Here, we review the principles of anaerobic digestion and biogas production, focusing on agricultural waste and the utilization of biogas for energy within a sustainable framework. We specifically explore biogas applications in rural and industrial settings, assess the environmental impacts, and discuss the regulatory landscape with insights from China and Europe. This study reveals that the strategic implementation of anaerobic digestion can markedly improve energy yield and sustainability, demonstrating how focused policies and advanced technological practices can optimize biogas utilization. The review enhances comprehension of environmental impacts, emphasizing insights from China and Europe as key examples.

Performance Evaluation and Economic Sustainability of the PAU Model Batch Type Paddy Straw Biogas Plant

This study evaluates the performance and economic viability of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Model Batch Type Paddy Straw Biogas Plant in rural India, addressing critical challenges in agricultural residue management and sustainable energy production. Data collected from two plants over four months showed an average daily biogas production of 1.46 to 3.13 m3 per day, with a total gas production of 284.8 m3 in a period of four months. Plant performance correlated moderately with ambient temperature. Economic analysis revealed annual savings of Rs. 47,600 through reduced LPG use and biogas slurry sales. The study concludes that the PAU Model is technically efficient and economically viable, offering a sustainable solution for paddy straw management and rural energy security. These findings have significant implications for policymakers and rural development practitioners in promoting sustainable agriculture and renewable energy adoption in developing regions.

Enhancing biogas production from hemp biomass residue through hydrothermal pretreatment and co-digestion with cow manure: Insights into methane yield, microbial communities, and metabolic pathways

This study investigates the enhancement of biogas production from hemp biomass residue (HBR) through hydrothermal pretreatment and co-digestion with cow manure (CM). Hydrothermal pretreatment at 200 °C for 15 min significantly improved the methane yield from 311.5 to 434.3 mL-CH4/g-VSadded (p ≤ 0.05) from HBR at 10% total solids (TS) loading, a 39% increase. Co-digestion with CM at an optimum ratio of 80:20 further increased the methane yield (738.7 mL-CH4/g-VSadded), representing a 70% improvement over pretreated HBR alone and a 137% increase compared to untreated HBR. Microbial community analysis revealed the dominance of Methanosaeta, comprising 83–93% of archaeal genera across samples. Gene expression analysis showed acetoclastic methanogenesis as the dominant pathway, accounting for 80% of methanogenesis sequences. Hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis and CO2 reduction with H2 pathways contributed 10% each. The optimized process achieved a biodegradation efficiency of 94% for hydrothermally pretreated HBR, compared to 68% for untreated HBR. Mass balance analysis demonstrated that combining hydrothermal pretreatment with anaerobic digestion increased biogas yield from 79% for untreated HBR to 86% for pre-treated HBR (PHBR) co-digested with CM. Integrating hydrothermal pretreatment and co-digestion enhances biogas production from lignocellulosic agricultural residues, contributing to sustainable waste management and renewable energy production.

Integration of Renewable Energy Solutions in Agricultural Operations

The integration of renewable energy solutions in agricultural operations presents a transformative approach to enhancing sustainability, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving the economic viability of farming practices and explores the various renewable energy technologies applicable to agriculture, including solar, wind, biomass, and biogas energy solutions. Each technology is examined for its specific applications within the agricultural sector, highlighting its potential benefits and the challenges faced in implementation. Solar energy, through photovoltaic and thermal systems, offers significant potential for powering irrigation, greenhouse operations, and processing facilities, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels and grid electricity. Wind energy, with its ability to generate electricity through turbines, is particularly valuable in regions with consistent wind patterns, contributing to both onfarm energy needs and grid supply. Biomass energy, utilizing agricultural residues and dedicated bioenergy crops, provides a sustainable solution for heating and energy generation, while also addressing waste management challenges. Biogas production, through anaerobic digestion of organic waste, presents a dual benefit of generating renewable energy and improving nutrient recycling in farming systems. Government subsidies, feedin tariffs, research funding, and technical support play pivotal roles in encouraging farmers to transition to renewable energy sources. Case studies from various regions illustrate the practical implementation of these technologies, demonstrating their impact on enhancing agricultural productivity, reducing environmental footprints, and fostering energy independence, including policymakers, researchers, and farmers, about the opportunities and challenges in adopting sustainable energy practices. The findings underscore the importance of continued innovation, supportive policies, and collaborative efforts to achieve a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.

How Scheduled Maintenance Affects Anaerobic Digester Supervision Through Modelling: A Practical Approach

Anaerobic digestion plays a crucial role in the transition toward a circular economy. Incorporating system supervision through mathematical modelling can enhance control and resilience. This study aims to assess the impact of scheduled digester maintenance on the effectiveness of modelling as a tool for monitoring and control. Data from a pilot-scale plug-flow digester were analyzed using an adapted ADM1 model. The maintenance involved halting the digester and removing sedimented solids. Model calibration indicated solid retention in the first two zones of the reactor, while the hydrolysis coefficient and biogas potential remained at 0.122 d−1 and 100.4 mL CH4/gVS, respectively. The average biogas production decreased from 156 to 109 mL/gVS pre- and post-maintenance. Simulations showed a decline in the model’s predictive accuracy after maintenance. To improve model fit, the initial conditions, solids retention, and kinetic parameters were adjusted. Optimal performance was achieved with khyd at 0.045 d−1 and B0 at 52.28 mL gVS−1, revealing an issue with the digester’s heating system. In conclusion, maintenance can significantly alter digester conditions, requiring model recalibration to maintain its effectiveness as a digital copilot for process supervision.

Design and evaluation of a gas, temperature profiling and data acquisition system to monitor the performance of a batch fixed dome biogas digester

Recovering energy from biomass and treating organic waste can be done effectively through a biogas digester system. However, monitoring the performance and control of the system to produce biogas is possible through the online process. Therefore, this study developed a novel low-cost gas and temperature profiling system (GTPS) and data acquisition system (DAS) used in biogas digester. The GTPS is designed to monitor and record the amount of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), the main constituent of biogas, from 0 to 100% and to measure the slurry temperature in the digester using a K-type thermocouple. To test the developed monitoring system, the biogas yield (%) and temperature were monitored, and the result obtained agreed with that reported and obtained in the literature (50–70% and 30−40%) for CH4 and CO2, respectively, followed by the desired mesophilic temperature condition for biogas production (20–35 °C). The study employed an RS-232/RS-485 converter for data communication and a low-cost thermocouple module (isolated analog input) that was installed in the data acquisition system. Interestingly, the application of the converter equipment has never been used in any study on monitoring a biogas digester.

Effects of nanoparticles on the anaerobic digestion properties of sulfamethoxazole-containing chicken manure and analysis of bio-enzymes

Abstract Medium-temperature anaerobic digestion experiments lasting for 55 days were conducted using sulfamethoxazole (SMX)-containing chicken manure in sequential batch reactors added with nano-Fe2O3 at a concentration of 300 mg·kg−1·TS or nano-C60 at a concentration of 100 mg·kg−1·TS. The effects of nanoparticles on the anaerobic digestion properties of SMX-containing chicken manure were assessed by measuring the following indicators: biogas production by anaerobic digestion, chemical parameters, enzyme concentrations, and bacterial diversity and changes in antibiotic concentrations over time. The law of bacterial degradation of SMX was analyzed. The results showed that (1) adding either nano-Fe2O3 or nano-C60 promoted biogas production by anaerobic production from chicken manure containing different concentrations of SMX, and the cumulative biogas production in Fe2O3 and nano-C60 increased by 35.4% and 130.7%, respectively. The final cumulative biogas productions in different groups were as follows: 3,712(CK), 4,281(S1), 3,968(S2), 4,061(S3), 4,498(S4), and 4,639(S5) mL and the final concentration of SMX residues varied between 99.79% and 99.94%; (2) Bacterial abundance at the phylum level: on day 1, Firmicutes and Bacteroidota were the main dominant bacterial phyla, with relative abundances of 45.13–68.53% and 26.12–48.32%, respectively. The addition of nanoparticles increased the abundance of Bacteroidota in S4 and S5 significantly. The abundance of Bacteroidota was slightly higher in the group added with nanoparticles than in S2. On day 50, Firmicutes became the dominant bacterial phylum, and its relative abundance varied little across the groups, ranging from 90.87% to 94.54%; (3) At different stages, the bacterial community structure at the genus level was dramatically affected by substrates. As nutrients were being depleted, some bacterial communities lost their original competitive advantages. On day 5, the relative abundance of Prevotella increased. Especially, the relative abundances of Prevotella in S4 and S5 added with nanoparticles were lower than that in S2 by 8–10%. On day 15, the relative abundance of Prevotella in S2 decreased compared with the control group CK. A decrease was also observed in S4 and S5, although to a smaller extent than in S2.

Turning trash into treasure: Hermetia illucens microbiome and biodegradation of industrial side streams.

Organic side streams from various industries pose a challenge to the environment. They are often present in huge amounts and are mostly discarded, incinerated, used for biogas production, or as feed for ruminant animals. Many plant-based side streams contain difficult-to-digest fiber as well as anti-nutritional or even insecticidal compounds that could harm the animals. These challenges can be addressed using black soldier fly larvae, which are known to degrade various organic substrates and convert them into valuable biomass. This will help mitigate agro-industrial side streams via efficient waste management and will contribute to the more economical and sustainable farming of insects.

Conceptual Design and Economic Optimization of Different Valorization Routes for Orange Peel Waste: The Application of the Biorefinery Concept for an Integral Use of Raw Material

Biorefineries are novel biotechnological routes designed to generate sustainable processes from renewable raw materials. The valorization of orange peel waste (OPW) provides high-value products based on their composition. The economic optimization of biorefineries through conceptual design and generation of superstructures based on the analysis of processing units is a topic of great interest. This work aimed to obtain the most profitable biorefinery through economic optimization strategies based on high-value-added products from OPW. Two stages were considered: The first stage consisted of the conceptual design of multiple OPW processing units (production of essential oil, mucic acid, phenolic compounds, biogas, among others). An OPW flow rate of 140 kg/h was selected as the base case. From the stand-alone units, a biorefinery superstructure (second stage) was designed. Finally, the units with the best mass and energy results were selected in order to maximize the net present value (NPV) and obtain an optimal biorefinery configuration. The results evidenced that the production of essential oil and biogas presented the best yields (2.61 mL and 0.028 m3 per kg OPW, respectively). This biorefinery configuration obtained an NPV of −7.7 mUSD from the base case. Through the evaluation of the different superstructure configurations, the combined production of essential oil, biogas, and mucic acid and a scale-up of over 22 times the base case generated the minimum processing scale. Under a Colombian context, the implementation of the biorefineries analyzed are promising since the minimum processing scale contemplated only 8.8% of the OPW production. Efforts to increase yields and decrease capital and operating expenses while keeping environmental impacts low should be pursued.

Evaluation of the efficiency of dry anaerobic digester in the production of biogas and fertilizer using activated sludge and plant waste.

The process of dry anaerobic digestion (DAD) is an effective economic and environmentally friendly method due to its features such as reducing the volume of waste, destroying pathogens, consuming less energy, and producing biogas rich in energy and fertilizer. This study was conducted on a pilot scale with a reactor volume of 24L in 30 days for three ratios of C/N: 30, 25, and 20 separately using a mixture of activated sludge and plant waste. During the process, the temperature, pH, and ratio of C/N were measured at certain times, and the percentage of gases produced by the Gas chromatography (GC) device was also measured. The results were compared with the National standard of Iran (Compost, Physical, and Chemical Specifications) at the end of the process. The results showed that the average volume of biogas produced in ratios of C/N: 30, 25, 20 is 1.7, 2.5, and 1.5L. d-1, respectively. The results showed that in the C/N ratio of 20, and 25, the amount of, C/N ratio and NO3 are in the range the standard of class 1, and the amount of Phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) is in the range the standard of class 2. The results showed that the average microbial parameters in ratios of C/N: 30, 25, and 20 are lower than the national standard of Iran. The dry digester is an efficient method in waste treatment, methane gas production, and quality fertilizer close to the national standard of Iran.

Electrochemical and bioelectrochemical sulphide removal: A review

AbstractThe increased demand for energy worldwide and the focus on the green shift have raised interest in renewable energy sources such as biogas. During biogas production, sulphide (H2S, HS− and S2−) is generated as a byproduct. Due to its corrosive, toxic, odorous, and inhibitory nature, sulphide is problematic in various industrial processes. Therefore, several techniques have been developed to remove sulphide from liquid and gaseous streams, including chemical absorption, chemical dosing, bioscrubbers, and biological oxidation. This review aims to elucidate electrochemical and bioelectrochemical sulphide removal methods, which are gaining increasing interest as possible supplements to existing technologies. In these systems, the sulphide oxidation rate is affected by the reactor design and operational parameters, including electrode materials, anodic potential, pH, temperature and conductivity. Anodic and bioanodic materials are highlighted here, focusing on recent material developments and surface modification techniques. Moreover, the review focuses on sulphide generation and inhibition in biogas production processes and introduces the prospect of removing sulphide and producing methane in one single bioelectrochemical reactor. This could introduce BESs for combined biogas upgrading and cleaning, thereby increasing the methane content and removing pollutants such as sulphide and ammonia in one unit.

Comparison of pyrolysis and anaerobic digestion processes for wheat straw biomass

Due to the growing interest in using biomass as a renewable energy source, this study presents a comparative analysis between two prominent biomass conversion technologies—anaerobic digestion and biomass pyrolysis—focused on wheat straw biomass. The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficiency, energy output, and environmental impact. Anaerobic digestion was performed under mesophilic conditions (35 ± 0.5 °C) using the biochemical methanogenic potential (BMP) methodology. Pyrolysis was conducted through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to determine the thermal behaviour and kinetic parameters of the biomass. Biogas production led to better energetic results as high methane yields of over 11 mL CH₄ g⁻¹ VS were obtained. Additionally, the integration of both processes was considered by subjecting digestate from anaerobic digestion to pyrolysis process. Key findings demonstrate that the activation energy (Ea) for wheat straw ranged from 166.49 to 176.42 kJ·mol−1 across different kinetic methods, indicating its suitability for pyrolysis. In contrast, digestates exhibited significantly lower activation energies, with 1-week, 2-weeks, and 3-weeks digestates showing ranges of 53.27–60.79 kJ·mol−1, 38.69–46.86 kJ·mol−1, and 46.29–72.34 kJ·mol−1, respectively. These results suggest that anaerobic digestion not only produces biogas but also yields a byproduct with potential for efficient pyrolytic conversion suggesting opportunities for integrated waste management and renewable energy production systems.

Estimation of biogas potential from poultry manure to 2040 in Türkiye using time series and the artificial neural network (ANN)

The number of poultry in Türkiye constituted approximately 24 % of Europe’s total in 2020. Although Türkiye has a significant number of poultry animals, it has been relatively unsuccessful in terms of managing the associated poultry waste. The present study focuses on poultry manure-based biogas potential (PMBP), which represents an alternative means of poultry manure management in Türkiye. PMBPs were calculated for each year from 2003 to 2021, for which it was found that for 2021, Türkiye's PMBP had increased by 40 % since 2003, reaching 3469 GWh. The possible electrical energy savings that PMBP could provide for lighting, habitation, business, government offices, and industry throughout Türkiye were calculated, with PMBP spatial distribution maps for 2021 created according to geographical region and province. The province with the highest PMBP was found to be Manisa, at 390 GWh. The projected PMBPs were calculated to 2040 using the artificial neural network (ANN) and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA). According to ARIMA, the PMBP for 2040 could potentially be increased by as much as 32 % from that of 2021, while according to ANN predictions, this same increase could be as much as 72 %. The ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from poultry manure management in Türkiye through biogas production was calculated. Investors may need to prepare a feasibility study for the establishment of a biogas plant in a suitable region within Manisa province, as it has the highest PMBP among the regions evaluated.

Enhanced methane and energy generation from sewage water using microbial fuel cells with paddy field soil substrate

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have potential in wastewater treatment, biogas production and clean energy generation. MFCs provide an interdisciplinary research approach incorporating engineering and natural sciences. This study explores MFCs’ capabilities to produce electricity and biogas from wastewater and field soil substrates with different compositions. A two-chamber MFC system was operated anaerobically. Household sewage water used as the organic substrate with different soil amounts. Six different process feed compositions, labeled MFC-1–6, were investigated. MFC-1 exhibited the highest biogas generation volume of 245 cm³ and 42 mW/cm² power density. MFC-5 and −6 yielded 100 cm³ and 130 cm³, respectively. Wastewater treatment was effective on day 20, with pH, conductivity, turbidity, and total dissolved solids decreased to 7.3, 2.6 mS, 326 NTUs, and 1114 mg/L, respectively. Since, MFC-1 autonomously generated −800 mV, an external battery supplied an additional 600 mV to meet the methane generation voltage requirements. MFCs’ effectiveness in addressing wastewater treatment and renewable energy production was highlighted.

Feasibility of biogas upgrading at a WWTP after pre-treatment application: Techno-economic assessment validation with pilot test data

Improving the efficiency of anaerobic digestion (AD) of sewage sludge (SS) is a critical step toward the achievement of energy neutrality in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), as required by the European Green Deal. This study used a comparative techno-economic assessment (TEA) to evaluate the feasibility of producing biomethane, at a WWTP, through upgrading biogas with a double-stage permeation membrane plant. The biogas was originally generated from the AD of a mixture of primary sludge (PS) and either raw or pre-treated waste activated sludge (WAS), where biological or thermo-alkali pre-treatments were applied to increase the WAS intrinsic low degradability.The TEA was supported by the results of pilot-scale tests, carried out on WAS, which mimicked (i) a traditional mesophilic AD process; (ii) a two-stage AD process, where a temperature-phased anaerobic digestion (TPAD, 3 days, 55 °C + 20 days, 38 °C) was performed to biologically pre-treat WAS; (iii) a traditional mesophilic AD process preceded by a thermo-alkali (4 g NaOH/100 g TS, 90 °C, 90 min) pre-treatment.The TEA was carried out in two phases. In the first, the minimum size of the WWTP capable of making the costs necessary for the implementation of the biogas upgrading plant equal to the revenues coming from selling biomethane (at 62 €/MWh) in 10 years was calculated in the absence of pre-treatments. It resulted of 500,000 equivalent inhabitants (e.i.). In the second phase, for the WWTP size found previously, the effect of either biological or thermo-alkali pre-treatments on the economic balance was evaluated, that is the gain (or the loss) associated to the selling of biomethane, compared to the reference price of 62 €/MWh. It was found that the TPAD increased the biogas productivity by only 23.6%, too little to compensate the amount of heat necessary for the pre-treatment and the purchase cost of the additional reactor. Conversely, the thermo-alkali pre-treatment, which enhanced the WAS biogas productivity by 110%, increased the biomethane revenues by approx. 10 €/MWh, compared to the scenario without pre-treatments. This study offers useful data to WWTP managers who want to introduce WAS pre-treatments, combined with interventions for biogas upgrading, in a new or existing sludge line of a WWTP.

Poultry slaughterhouse waste management through anaerobic digestion with varying proportions of chicken litter

Nepal's burgeoning poultry industry which is a key sector in its economy leads to a considerable generation of slaughterhouse waste (SHW), necessitating effective and sustainable disposal methods. This study explores anaerobic digestion as an optimal solution for poultry SHW management, aiming to produce energy-rich biogas while efficiently mitigating pollution in these facilities. Particularly, the feasibility and effectiveness of co-digestion with chicken litter (CL) were investigated to enhance biogas production and waste utilization. Four distinct runs of anaerobic digestion were performed, each utilizing varying substrate compositions with SHW to CL ratios of 1:0, 4:1, 1:1, and 1:4. Throughout the process, essential parameters, including total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), biological oxygen demand (BOD5), pH, temperature, biogas generation, were meticulously measured. The cumulative biogas production for each run was as follows: 14.87 liters and a biogas yield of 88.73 ml/gVS with a 17.39 % VS reduction for Run 1, 25.98 liters and a biogas yield of 147.21 ml/gVS with a 28.64 % VS reduction for Run 2, 78.32 liters and a biogas yield of 314.69 ml/gVS with a 54.32 % VS reduction for Run 3, and 89.195 liters and a biogas yield of 344.36 ml/gVS with a 63.05 % VS reduction for Run 4. Notably, as the proportion of CL increased in the mixture from 4:1 to 1:1, a considerable VS reduction was observed. Furthermore, when the ratio of SHW to CL reached 1:1 and 1:4, a significant BOD5 reduction of 50 % and 63.13 % was achieved, respectively, surpassing previous runs. The results reveal that the addition of CL in an appropriate ratio effectively manages poultry SHW, with the optimum SHW:CL ratio for significant biogas yield lying between 1:1 and 1:4.

Effect of varying volumes of anaerobic microbial inoculum on biodegradation and biogas production from black water

Unfettered discharge of untreated black water is one of the raging environmental issues which needs to be addressed especially in many developing and third-world countries. Black water is rich in organic compounds, elements such as nitrogen and phosphorous, and harmful faecal coliforms which makes it a major threat to the environment. The present study focuses on the use of an inhouse anaerobic microbial inoculum for the treatment of black water with an emphasis on decentralized treatment systems. The effects of varying volumes of inoculum (5 %, 10 %, 20 % & 30 %) for the treatment of black water was studied. Various parameters such as pH, total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biogas production were recorded. 10 % inoculum yielded the maximum amount of biogas. The biogas volume varied from 1046 mL–1180 mL depending on the experiments carried out using either fresh inoculum or acclimatized old inoculum. The inoculum could also be reused for sustained biodegradation and biogas production process which makes its use economic and apt as inoculum for reactors used in decentralized treatment processes. An attempt was also made in this work to reduce the input COD imparted via the inoculum itself by letting the larger and heavier solids to settle. Nevertheless, it was observed that the best working inoculum was the 10 % whole inoculum in terms of biogas production and COD removal.