Analysis of biogas potential generated from cow dung of animals fed on banana peelings and elephant grass.

Abstract

In this research to determine the potential of biogas generation from cow dung of different kind, involved obtaining the cow dung by feeding -the animal on elephant grass. and banana peeling in the proportions: 100% elephant grass, 75% elephant to 25% banana peelings, 50% elephant grass to 50% banana peeling and finally 100% banana peelings. In this done weekly, one ration of fodder was fed weekly to obtain- the; cow dung. This cow clung -was characterized by testing for the C/N the pH and tested for biogas yield. 5 litre capacity digesters- were used to investigate the potential of biogas, it was: batch- reactor experiment -and the. daily gas yield from the plant was monitored for a period .24 days. The slurry temperature was monitored daily and it ranged from 25 — 28 C. the pH of the slurry was monitored at setting up the experiment and at: the end since the reactor was of batch type, the pH range for both the initial and final testing was between 6.0 and 7. I which optimum for methanogen activities, The results obtained from biogas pròducti01i showed that substrate D yielded the highest biogas volume of 3616 ml followed by substrate C -with 3395ml, then B with 2876ml and substrate A had the lowest yield of 2655ml for the. period of 24 days„ Since substrate D came from feeding the cow on 100% banana peelings and peeling are considered as animal supplementary food. Il was suggested. to be the best ratio to be the animal. Elephant grass and banana peeling in the ratio was taken in this resedr.ch as the best Cation. And biogas users advised to mi elephant grass with banana peelings ill that above recommended ratio for a better biogas yield. Kev words: Biogas composition, cow dung, banana peelings, elephant grass, and methane.