Effect of Temperature and pH Control on the Efficiency of Biogas Production: Converting Food Waste, Poultry Litter and Water Hyacinth to Energy

Abstract

The increasing global energy demand has necessitated a shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. Consequently, extensive research is being conducted to explore, develop, and enhance new renewable bioenergy sources. This research is critical for addressing the energy crisis and ensuring a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. This study involved a small-scale experiment integrating water hyacinth with food waste and poultry litter under controlled conditions, including temperature and pH regulation within a continuously stirred reactor in a portable biogas reactor. The experiment was conducted in two phases. In Phase 1, where temperature and pH were not controlled, it took seven days to initiate biogas production, peaking at 1,145 ml on day 22, with a total cumulative output of 12.988 L, which was only 25.97% of the anticipated 50 L. Conversely, in Phase 2, where temperature and pH were controlled within 33-35°C and 6.8-7.5, biogas production began on the sixth day, reaching 2,632 ml on the 16th day. The cumulative production in Phase 2 was 32.683 L, representing 65.36% of the targeted 50 L. This underscores the pivotal role of controlled conditions in achieving faster and more substantial biogas production.