Valuation of the Energy Potential of Agrozootehnic Waste

Abstract

The anaerobic digestion of animal manure is a promising treatment solution allowing its partial conversion to energy, in the form of biogas. Anaerobic digestion technology is thus considered not only as a way to solve environmental problems, but also as a potential source of energy, while also contributing to solving economic and social problems. This research investigates the potential of poultry, cattle and pig waste for biogas production through the anaerobic digestion process. A number of 15 recipes had been prepared and studied, each consisting of a mixture of organic materials with a concentration of 10% total solids (animal waste, vegetable waste, food waste), in different proportions. The raw material mixtures (representing the substrates) respected a C/N ratio between 15 and 25. The substrate composition influence on the production of biogas was investigated. Different types of animal manure have been found to produce varying rates of biogas, with certain types yielding higher or more stable levels. In this installation, efficient biogas production was observed after seven days of anaerobic digestion, with the most effective mixtures being those with a higher proportion of grass.