Cow Dung Research Articles

Biogas Production from a Solar-Heated Temperature-Controlled Biogas Digester

This research paper explores biogas production in an underground temperature-controlled fixed dome digester and compares it with a similar uncontrolled digester. Two underground fixed-dome digesters, one fitted with a solar heating system and a stirrer and the other one with an identical stirrer only, were batch-fed with cow dung slurry collected from the University of Fort Hare farm and mixed with water in a ratio of 1:1. The solar heating system consisted of a solar geyser, pex-al-pex tubing, an electric ball valve, a water circulation pump, an Arduino aided temperature control system, and a heat exchanger located at the centre of the digester. Both the digesters were intermittently stirred for 10 min every 4 h. The digester without a heating system was used as a control. Biogas production in the two digesters was compared to assess the effect of solar heating on biogas production. The total solids, volatile solids, and the chemical oxygen demand of the cow dung used as substrate were determined before and after digestion. These were compared together with the cumulative biogas produced and the methane content for the controlled and uncontrolled digesters. It was observed that the temperature control system kept the slurry temperature in the controlled digester within the required range for 82.76% of the retention period, showing an efficiency of 82.76%. Some maximum temperature gradients of 7.0 °C were observed in both the controlled and uncontrolled digesters, showing that the stirrer speed of 30 rpm was not fast enough to create the needed vortex for a uniform mix in the slurry. It was further observed that the heat from the solar geyser and the ground insulation were sufficient to keep the digester temperature within the required temperature range without any additional heat source even at night. Biogas yield was observed to depend on the pH with a strong coefficient of determination of 0.788 and 0.755 for the controlled and uncontrolled digesters, respectively. The cumulative biogas was 26.77 m3 and 18.05 m3 for controlled and uncontrolled digesters, respectively, which was an increase of 33%. The methane content increased by 14% while carbon dioxide decreased by 10% from the uncontrolled to the controlled scenario. The percentage removal of the TS, VS, and COD was 66.26%, 76.81%, and 74.69%, respectively, compared to 47.01%, 60.37%, and 57.86% for the uncontrolled situation. Thus, the percentage removal of TS, VS, and COD increased by 19.25%, 16.44%, and 16.89%, respectively.

Exploring biosorption potential of cow dung derived novel strain Cellulosimicrobium cellulans KHP3 in the remediation of Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn)

Exploring biosorption potential of cow dung derived novel strain <i>Cellulosimicrobium cellulans</i> KHP3 in the remediation of Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn)

Exploring the cooking energy biomass and its impact on women's health and quality of life in rural households: a micro-environmental study from West Bengal in India.

Exposure to household air pollutants has become a significant environmental health concern in developing nations. This study aimed to understand the growing energy consumption within households, particularly for cooking, and its impact on women's health in rural areas. We conducted real-time monitoring of ambient particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) levels in 61 rural kitchens in the Medinipur and Jhargram districts of West Bengal, India. Additionally, we calculated the Standard Living Index (SLI) based on socio-demographic factors from 540 households. Our analyses using ANOVA and chi-square methods revealed significant effects of cooking fuel types and locations on various health indicators among women. Eye irritation was prevalent across all fuel types, followed by shortness of breath (33%), coughing (22%), and dizziness (21%). Alarmingly, nearly half (48%) of children under five consistently accompanied their mothers during cooking, exposing them to health risks. Indoor air pollution, particularly from traditional fuels like fuelwood, cow dung cakes, and leaves, poses a grave threat to families. These fuels emit considerable amounts of PM2.5 and CO, with levels reaching as high as 565µg/m3 and 12.5ppm, respectively, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular complications. Clean cooking fuel users, such as those using LPG, reported improved quality of life scores across physical, psychological, social, and environmental categories. This study highlights the urgent need to transition to cleaner cooking fuels to mitigate adverse health effects on women and children in rural households.

Developing Guidelines for Azolla microphylla Production as Compost for Sustainable Agriculture

Azolla is a substitute compost that has the potential to enhance nutrient cycling in agricultural systems for sustainable development. In this study, four experiments were conducted to compare the Department of Agriculture (DOA, Thailand) ‘s methodology for determining the suitable type and rate of animal manure and the optimal light intensity for the growth and yield of Azolla (Azolla microphylla). The results revealed that applying 100% pig manure gave the highest yield of Azolla compared to the other manures. However, there was no discernible (p &gt; 0.05) difference in yield across the various doses (20.16, 30.16, and 40.16 gN m−2) of pig manure treatments, for which the minimal pig manure dosage of 20.16 gN m−2 was chosen. For further experimentation in the optimal light intensity, the 40% shading gave the highest yield of Azolla compared to no shading or 20 and 60% shading (p ≤ 0.01). When compared with the DOA Thailand methodology (1.27 kg m−2 of cow manure and covered with a size 32 mesh net), the findings indicated that the modified method (20.16 gN m−2 of pig manure + 40% shading) gave a 16% greater Azolla yield than that under the DOA Thailand methodology. The current finding method can produce a monthly fresh biomass of A. microphylla of 40.7 t ha−1 year−1 with higher contents of total N (4.92%) and lower C:N ratio (≤10:1) that could release minerals relatively rapidly. Its use can be encouraged by farmers to produce their own ecofriendly biofertilizer or soil amendment for sustainable agriculture.

Personal Protective Equipment Use by Dairy Farmworkers Exposed to Cows Infected with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Viruses - Colorado, 2024.

The risk for transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus from dairy cows to humans is currently low; however, personal protective equipment (PPE) use during work activities on dairy farms has not been well described. PPE use can protect farmworkers when they are working with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1)-infected cows. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) offered PPE to all Colorado farms before or during an A(H5N1) outbreak in cows in 2024. CDPHE surveyed 83 dairy workers from three farms with a confirmed bovine A(H5N1) outbreak. Frequently reported farm worker activities included milking cows or working in the milking parlor (51%), cleaning cow manure (49%), and transporting cows (46%). Frequently reported PPE items available to workers before A(H5N1) outbreaks included gloves (88%), eye protection (e.g., safety glasses or goggles) (76%), rubber boots or boot covers (71%), and head covers (69%). N95 respirator use was low among workers who were exposed to ill cows after detection of A(H5N1) virus (26%). PPE use while working with ill cows increased a mean of 28% after detection of A(H5N1) virus on surveyed farms; use of eye protection while milking cows increased the most (40%). Public health PPE distribution, education, and collaboration with CDA might have increased PPE use on dairy farms with A(H5N1) virus-infected cows and mitigated risk for farmworkers acquiring A(H5N1) virus.

Pengaruh Pemberian Nutrisi Daun dan Jenis Pupuk terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Tanaman Cabai Merah Besar (Capsicum annum L.)

The research was carried out in an experimental garden at the Faculty of Agriculture, Padjadjaran University, Jatinagor District, Sumedang Regency. The altitude of the place is 700 meters above sea level. This research was conducted from May to August 2022. The purpose of this study is to determine the interaction of foliar nutrition and fertilizer type on the growth and yield of large red chili plants (Capsicum annum L). The environmental design of this research is a Split Plot Design which consists of two treatments and is repeated four times. The main plot is the administration of a foliar nutrient solution (F) consisting of two levels: f0 (without administration) and f1 (one-time 10-day administration). The plot is a type of fertilizer (P) consisting of three levels: p1 cow manure 4 t ha-1 p2, Soil Conditioner Growth Booster (SCGB) 6 kg ha-1 and p3 ameliorant plus 4 t ha-1. The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance with Duncan's double-spacing advanced test at a rate of 5%. The results showed that there was an interaction with growth (Plant height 1 Week After Planting (WAP), 2 WAP, 3 WAP, Number of leaves 3 WAP, stem diameter 2 WAP, 3 WAP, 4 WAP, 5 WAP) and yield (Weight per fruit). The best results were shown in foliar nutrition and SCGB administration against plant height growth of 2 WAP, 3 WAP, leaf count of 3 WAP and stem diameter of 3 WAP as well as foliar nutrition and ameliorant plus feeding of 5 WAP stem diameter. Types of ameliorant plus fertilizers that were not fed foliar nutrition show the best results against plant height growth of 1 WAP stem diameter of 2 WAP, 4 WAP and weight yield per fruit.

Application of GIS in Introducing Community-Based Biogas Plants from Dairy Farm Waste: Potential of Renewable Energy for Rural Areas in Bangladesh

Dairy production is one of the most important economic sectors in Bangladesh. However, the traditional management of dairy cow manure and other wastes results in air pollution, eutrophication of surface water, and soil contamination, highlighting the urgent need for more sustainable waste management solutions. To address the environmental problems of dairy waste management, this research explored the potential of community-based biogas production from dairy cow manure in Bangladesh. This study proposed introducing community-based biogas plants using a geographic information system (GIS). The study first applied a restriction analysis to identify sensitive areas, followed by a suitability analysis to determine feasible locations for biogas plants, considering geographical, social, economic, and environmental factors. The final suitable areas were identified by combining the restriction and suitability maps. The spatial distribution of dairy farms was analyzed through a cluster analysis, identifying significant clusters for potential biogas production. A baseline and proposed scenario were designed for five clusters based on the input and output capacities of the biogas plants, estimating the location and capacity for each cluster. The study also calculated electricity generation from the proposed scenario and the net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction potential of the biogas plants. The findings provide a land-use framework for implementing biogas plants that considers environmental and socio-economic criteria. Five biogas plants were found to be technically and spatially feasible for electricity generation. These plants can collectively produce 31 million m3 of biogas annually, generating approximately 200.60 GWh of energy with a total electricity capacity of 9.8 MW/year in Bangladesh. Implementing these biogas plants is expected to increase renewable energy production by at least 1.25%. Furthermore, the total GHG emission reduction potential is estimated at 104.26 Gg/year CO2eq through the annual treatment of 61.38 thousand tons of dairy manure.

Effect of Organic Fertilization Based on Cattle Dung in Village Cultivation of Sugar Cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) in Immature Phase in Northern Ivory Coast

This study aimed to determine the dose of organic fertilizer adapted to the agroecological conditions of the Ferkéssédougou zone during the immature or vegetative phase with a view to improving agricultural productivity in rainfed sugar cane cultivation. The trial was conducted using a Fisher block experimental design with three (3) repetitions and six (6) treatments including the control treatment. The observations mainly focused on growth parameters. Health monitoring was also carried out to detect the presence of diseases. Regarding growth parameters, no statically significant effect of fertilizers was observed between treatments. However, the fertilizers used had a positive impact in terms of gain compared to the control. Thus, three (3) groups of fertilizers stood out. Group 1 was composed of mineral manure at the normal dose (350 kg/ha of NPK), organic manure at the normal dose (20t/ha), double dose of compost (40 t/ha) and the organo-mineral mixture, namely the normal dose of compost (20t/ha) + half dose of mineral fertilizer (175 kg/ha of NPK). These treatments promoted good emergence, good elongation of the plants with large diameters and a large number of internodes. Group 2, composed only of half a dose of compost (10 t/ha), allowed us to have a large number of stems. For group 3, corresponding to the control treatment, no growth parameter was correlated. No symptoms of major illnesses were observed during the observations. The M1400/86 variety used is resistant to termite attack.

Alternative Technology Solution for Cooking: Compact Biogas Digester

This study is undertaken to prepare an alternative technology solution for cooking and to implement the design and set - up an operational of an onsite bio digester that will generate sufficient methane gas for cooking and probably other applicable uses. The biogas digester is simple to operate for everybody and effective option to save cost on power. It was found that a unit no smaller than 200 liters was needed to meeting the feedstock unit that gives a 2 hour per day cooking duration for a gas cooker run off one of these unit. Bio digester technology: Cow manure and kitchen waste feed produces more methane gas, and the reaction is completed in 7 days.

Temperature effect of biogas production from a greenhouse biogas digester

Globally, energy challenges are increasing with population growth. Many countries solely depend on fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas, etc.) for energy generation for different processes. Fossil fuels fall under non-renewable energy sources, are polluters of the environment, and get depleted faster, thus making it challenging to sustain a continuous energy supply. Therefore, there is a need for alternative sources of energy to mitigate the hazards associated with the utilization of fossil fuels. The present study aims to monitor the performance of a three-meter cubic (3 m3) greenhouse biogas digester, focusing on the temperature effect in biodegrading cow dung materials for gas generation. The study was conducted under mesophilic temperature conditions, pH, and hydraulic retention time for 30 days. Results revealed that slurry temperatures of about 33.5 ℃ and ambient temperatures of about 35 ℃ resulted in a remarkable peak biogas yield of 0.3 m3 on the 23rd day of the month. After the optimum yield of the biogas, the performance declined and was ascribed to the non-supply of the new feedstock, and the environment in the reactor became acidic, hence hindering the biodegradation process. Ultimately, the total biogas yield obtained from the study was 2.58 m3, equivalent to 15.48 kWh of energy. This amount of bio-generated energy was twofold the average daily electricity consumption of middle-income South African households. It was demonstrated that temperature was a major factor influencing the performance of the assembled biogas digesters and, thus, should be closely monitored for appreciable biogas production. This study is envisaged to pave the way for the future affordable and environmentally friendly biogas production process.

Effects of Cow-Dung Vermicomposting on Soil Carbon Mineralization and Temperature Sensitivity in Camellia oleifera Forest

Soil carbon mineralization plays an important role in the carbon cycle of terrestrial ecosystems. When it comes to the soil carbon cycle, however, research on how carbon mineralization characteristics of fertilized Camellia oleifera forest soil respond to temperature changes remains limited. This study used an indoor constant temperature incubation method to examine the effects of the vermicomposting of cow dung by applying it at three different quantities (A: 0.8 kg earthworm + 62.5 kg cow dung/Camellia oleifera; B: 1.6 kg earthworm + 125 kg cow dung/Camellia oleifera; C: 2.4 kg earthworm + 187.5 kg cow dung/Camellia oleifera) and set a control group with Camellia oleifera forest not being fertilized (CK). This research was conducted with incubators set at 5 °C, 15 °C, 25 °C, and 35 °C, and with continuous monitoring of soil carbon mineralization characteristics and temperature sensitivity of organic carbon mineralization. The results showed significant increases in soil MBC, MBN, DOC, DON, NO3−-N, and NH4+-N in groups with applications of cow-dung vermicomposting compared to CK. Except at 35 °C, soil respiration in the Camellia oleifera of Group A was consistently the strongest. The maximum soil carbon emission (C0) was determined through a simulation of potential carbon emissions, with all correlation coefficients exceeding 0.95. The contents of TC and TN were positively correlated with MBC and MBN (p &lt;0.001), while the C: Nmicro was negatively correlated with TN, AN, MBN, and inorganic nitrogen. Based on temperature sensitivity (Q10), the influence of temperature on soil mineralization rate was observed. The vermicomposting of cow dung had a noticeable effect, as Group B showed significantly stronger enzyme activity compared to other groups. These results indicate that changes in MBC can impact the stability of soil carbon mineralization. The roles of soil moisture and microorganisms should be considered when predicting dynamic changes in the soil carbon pool of Camellia oleifera when applying fertilizers and improving its soil carbon sequestration capacity.

Reduction of tobacco alkaloid bioaccumulation in pea shoots: a comparative study of biochar derived from cow dung and maize straw

Tobacco alkaloids in tobacco-cultivated soils pose potential risks for succeeding crops, due to their allelopathy and toxicity. Effects of biochar on the dissipation of tobacco alkaloids in soil-crop systems remain poorly understood. In this study, a 40-day pot experiment was conducted to explore the effect of cow dung biochar (CDBC) and maize straw biochar (MSBC) on the uptake of nicotine and nornicotine by pea (Pisum sativum L.) and their dissipation in an agricultural soil. The results revealed that the bioaccumulation of nicotine and nornicotine by pea shoots in the soils added with CDBC and MSBC at 1.5% and 3.0% significantly decreased by 46.97–79.13% and 33.64–71.59%, respectively. CDBC more effectively decreased the uptake and bioaccumulation of nicotine and nornicotine by pea shoots than MSBC due to the higher soil pH and nutrient content. In addition, the enhanced relative abundances of soil nicotine-degrading bacteria belonging to the genera Arthrobacter and Gemmatimonas also contributed to the decreasing uptake of nicotine by pea plants. The decreased bioavailability in the soils due to the increased adsorption was the key factor for the reduced bioaccumulation of tobacco alkaloids. This study provides guidance to protect subsequent crops in tobacco-cultivated soil from tobacco alkaloids with biochar.

Vermiculite changed greenhouse gases emission and microbial community succession in vermicomposting: Particle size investigation

Greenhouse gas emissions during composting inevitably cause environmental pollution. This study investigated the effects of 10 % vermiculite of four particle sizes (<1.5 mm, 1.5–3 mm, 3–5.5 mm and 5.5–8 mm) on greenhouse gas emissions during vermicomposting of corn stover and cow dung. The results revealed that vermiculite reduced CH4 and N2O emissions but increased CO2 emissions. Vermiculite with a particle size of 3–5.5 mm presented the greatest environmental benefits, increasing cumulative CO2 emissions by 19 % and reducing CH4 and N2O emissions by 49 % and 62 %, respectively. A negative correlation was found between the specific surface area of vermiculite and cumulative greenhouse gas emissions (r = −0.7949). Furthermore, vermiculite intensified microbial interactions and accelerated microbial community succession. These results have important implications for understanding how vermiculite regulates greenhouse gas emissions and microbial mechanisms during the vermicomposting process.

Enhancing effect of conductive materials and rumen microorganisms on the anaerobic digestion performance of a real traditional Chinese medicine wastewater

This work evaluated the effect of different concentrations of conductive materials and rumen microorganisms on the anaerobic digestion (AD) performance of real traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) wastewater. The experiments first determined the optimal organic concentration of 0.25 L/L for the AD system and removed suspended solids from real TCM wastewater to reduce the inhibition effect on methanogenesis. Analysis of the modified Gompertz model showed that the addition of activated carbon, biochar, cow manure, and rumen fluid at doses of 12 g/L, 12 g/L, 12 mL/L, and 125 mL/L, respectively, had the greatest effect on CH4 production, increasing the cumulative CH4 yield by 13.5 %, 10.4 %, 26.8 %, and 32.9 %. Through microbial community and metabolism pathway analyses, the conductive materials promoted direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) between Clostridium and Methanothrix, and the acetoclastic methanogenic pathway dominated by acetyl-CoA synthase. Rumen microorganisms enhanced AD performance by promoting the growth of hydrogenotrophic methanogens and the abundance of genes dominated by formylmethanofuran dehydrogenase in the hydrogenotrophic methanogenic pathway, illustrating the relationship between microbial community and metabolism pathway. Rumen microorganisms increased CH4 production more than conductive materials in real TCM wastewater. This study helps to better understand the internal mechanisms by which different materials enhance AD performance.

Decoration of marigold flower-like CoMo LDH on reinforced cow manure-derived biochar as an effective peroxymonosulfate activator for degradation of Bisphenol A in water

Marigold flower-like CoMo layered double hydroxide (LDH) was decorated on biochar derived from cow manure (CoMo@BC) to act as an efficient activator for peroxymonosulfate (PMS), enabling the degradation of Bisphenol A (BPA) in water. The CoMo@BC/PMS system can eliminate up to 98% of BPA at a concentration of 0.044mM within 15min. High efficacy is sustained in the pH range of 5 to 9, underscoring the robustness and adaptability of the system. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibits excellent stability, retaining activity over five consecutive cycles. Versatility is highlighted by the capability to degrade over 88% of various organic pollutants, indicating broad-spectrum applicability in water treatment. A comprehensive mechanistic study has elucidated three distinct degradation pathways and identified six intermediates of BPA, providing valuable insights into the catalytic process. Overall, the research underscores the potential of CoMo@BC as a highly effective catalyst for advanced water treatment applications through PMS activation. Significant efficacy in eliminating organic pollutants suggests great promise for enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of water purification technologies.

Adsorption and biodegradation of butyl xanthate in mine water by Pseudomonas sp. immobilized on yak dung biochar

The butyl xanthate (BX) in mining wastewater poses significant environmental challenges due to its toxicity and persistence. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Pseudomonas sp. immobilized on yak dung biochar (Ps.@YDBC600) for BX degradation, emphasizing the synergistic effects of biochar adsorption and microbial degradation. BX removal efficiency of free Pseudomonas sp. cells was assessed under various environmental conditions, with optimal degradation observed at 30°C and an initial pH of 5.0. Yak dung biochar prepared at 600°C (YDBC600) was selected due to its high surface area, porosity, and favorable adsorption properties, enhancing the immobilization and activity of Pseudomonas sp.. The absorption of BX by biochar followed a two-compartment first-order kinetic model and primarily involved hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, and pore filling. The primary crystalline mineral component of YDBC600 and Ps.@YDBC600 before and after the adsorption and degradation of BX was SiO₂. The Ps.@YDBC600 was shown to significantly enhance BX removal efficiency compared to free Pseudomonas sp. cells or biochar alone. Molecular studies indicated that biochar facilitated BX degradation by providing a stable environment for Pseudomonas sp. and optimizing metabolic resource allocation. The primary by-products, including CS₂, HS–, ROCOS–, ROCSSH and (ROCSS)₂ were effectively minimized (each by-product was reduced more than 80%), reducing secondary pollution. These findings demonstrated the potential of Pseudomonas sp. immobilized on biochar as an effective approach for treating BX-contaminated mining wastewater, offering a sustainable approach to environmental remediation and management.

Screening of saline-alkali tolerant microorganisms and their promoting effects on rice growth under saline-alkali stress

Soil salinization poses a global challenge, and cultivating rice on saline-alkali lands is a recognized strategy for exploiting and ameliorating these challenging environments, however, the yield and quality of rice are significantly lower compared to cultivation on non-saline lands. This study focused on the utilization of saline-alkali tolerant plant-growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPRs) and organic matter. Four PGPR strains were identified and subsequently fermented and propagated, and then combined in equal proportions and mixed with cow manure compost to prepare a PGPR amendment. This amendment was applied to rice cultivated in pots under saline-alkali stress. Agronomic traits were monitored at various growth stages to assess the amendment's impact on rice development. The results showed that under moderate saline-alkali stress, PGPR amendments significantly improved the physicochemical indicators of rice. Compared with the control group, rice plant height, root length and chlorophyll content increased by 113.56%, 43.19% and 95.43%, respectively. The antioxidant enzyme increased by 39.86%, and the levels of soluble sugars and proteins increased by 20.91% and 27.28%, respectively. Notably, rice under moderate saline-alkali stress showed greater improvements in response to the amendment compared to rice under mild stress conditions. These findings suggest that the amendments effectively mitigate the adverse effects of saline-alkali stress on rice growth, thereby offering a viable strategy for enhancing crop productivity in affected areas.

The Productivity of Lumbricus rubellus Earthworms in Cow Manure Media with the Addition of Cricket Manure

Earthworms are one of the animals used as indicators to assess soil quality and fertility. In earthworm cultivation, several factors affect the life of earthworms, including temperature, pH, moisture, nutrient content, and media texture. This study aims to evaluate the productivity of earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus) in a mixed medium of cow manure and cricket manure. The method used in this study is a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 6 treatments and 3 replications, along with a Tukey posthoc test. The results showed that the addition of cricket manure to cow manure as a cultivation medium could increase earthworm productivity. The use of 90% cow manure with the addition of 10% cricket manure resulted in an average weight increase of 17 g, an average of 94 cocoons, and an average media reduction of 260.50 g. The addition of more than 10% cricket manure to cow manure could reduce earthworm productivity.

Performance Pheretima sp. and The Quality of Vermicompost on Media Using Clam and Snail Shell Flour

The abundance of green mussel shells, clam shells, and snail shells that have not been maximally utilized has caused environmental disturbances. These shells can be used as a substitute for worm food because of their good nutritional content. This research aimed to analyze the productivity of Pheretima sp. with the combination of shell powder (green mussel, clam, and snail) and cow dung to their living media (feed) and the quality of vermicompost. The data were analyzed using SAS Studio application with completely randomized design (CRD), 10 treatment levels, with 3 replications each. The observed variables included earthworm productivity, vermicompost quality, and vermicompost performance. The results of the studyshow a significant (P&lt;0.05) on the use of green mussel shell 10% in all earthworm productivity variables, and show a significant (P&lt;0.05) on the use of green mussel shell 30% in vermicompost quality and vermicompost performance. The combination of 10% green mussel shell powder in cow dung media can increase the productivity of Pheretima sp. The best vermicompost testing result on water spinach plants was found in the treatment with the addition of 30% green mussel shell powder in cow dung media.

Performance Monitoring of Greenhouse Biogas Digester

The country of South Africa is facing an energy crisis due to heavy reliance on fossil fuels, resulting in continuous load shedding. The use of renewable energy technologies can help resolve the current electricity crisis in the country. Moreover, waste-to-energy conversion has the potential to greatly contribute to economic development and improve public health. One such technology is biomass, which exploits waste-to-energy conversion. Additionally, solar energy can be utilized to maintain appropriate digester temperatures for optimal biogas yield. The study aims to assemble a portable balloon biogas digester in an enclosed greenhouse cavity and feed it with cow dung. Daily monitoring of pH and temperature (ambient, greenhouse, and slurry) was conducted, while biogas yield was monitored using a serial residential diaphragm flow meter. Furthermore, the composition of methane was monitored using the SAZQ biogas analyzer. The study investigated the impact of temperature on biogas production. The results revealed that the gas production rate of biogas fermentation increased within a certain temperature range. Therefore, maximum biogas production was achieved at a pH of 6.84 to 7.03, and the composition of methane exceeded 50%. Consequently, the study concluded by indicating that the digester housed within a greenhouse envelope, as demonstrated in this novel study, maintains the temperature within the optimal mesophilic range necessary for anaerobic digestion.