Manufacture of Biogas from the Anaerobic Treatment of Cow Dung from Federal University of Technology, Owerri Livestock Farm

Abstract

Energy from hydrocarbon compounds has over the years been expensive and also played a part in negative health implications amongst others, for this reason alternative sources of energy have been sort for. In the quest for a healthier, more cost-effective energy, cow dung as a renewable source has been proven to be very efficient. This study investigated the manufacture of biogas using cow dung from School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (S.A.A.T) livestock farm located in Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. 25 kg of the cow dung was used in this study. The digestion was carried out in a 50L anaerobic digester at a temperature of 30°C - 36°C and uncontrolled pH for a period of 40 days. The average quantity of biogas produced through the period was 10.39 liters, representing 46% of the total biogas production. The average temperature was 33.0°C. The utilization of cow dung as fuel will also help in the management of waste within the livestock farm. As an eco-friendly source of energy, the biomass generated after digestion can be utilized to improve soil fertility.