(64f) Comparing the Energy Yield of Different Biodegradable Materials for Biogas Production

Biogas can serve as an alternative source of energy for sub-Saharan Africa especially Nigeria which has abundant biodegradable materials that can be used for this purpose. In this study, four different biodegradable materials (Water Hyacinth, Poultry Droppings, Cattle Wastes and Cattle Rumen) were compared to determine their potential for generating biogas. These materials were measured by using a measuring cylinder and 9 litres each of these materials were poured into four different digesters of 10 litres capacity.Thereafter,the digester was properly sealed to ensure anaerobic condition. After four weeks of anaerobic digestion, gas production started first with Cattle Rumen followed by Water Hyacinth, Poultry Droppings and Cattle Wastes. Water hyacinth produced the highest amount of biogas (670 Millilitres) followed by poultry droppings (395 Millilitres), Cattle Rumen (380 Millilitres) and Cattle Wastes (305 Millilitres) after studying the experiments for ten days. The result of this experiment showed that Nigeria can depend on abundant resources at her disposal to shift to renewable sources of energy.