experimental investigation of biogas yielding rate from anaerobic co-digestion of multiple organic feedstocks using a bio-digester

Background: the high cost of fossil fuels has driven the exploration of renewable energy alternatives. this study investigates the anaerobic co-digestion of waterleaf, cow dung, and food waste to optimize biogas production.methods: four co-digestion experiments were performed using a prototype plastic bio-digester over 50 days. the combinations tested were: waterleaf with cow dung, waterleaf with food waste, food waste with cow dung, and a mix of all three feedstocks.results: co-digestion of waterleaf and food waste yielded an average biogas output of 25%, with a ph of 7.2 and a carbon-to-nitrogen (c/n) ratio of 28. combining waterleaf and cow dung produced a 31% yield, a ph of 7.2, and a c/n ratio of 29. the mixture of food waste and cow dung resulted in a 34% biogas yield, with a ph of 7.1 and a c/n ratio of 30. the highest yield, 46%, was achieved by co-digesting waterleaf, cow dung, and food waste, with a ph of 7 and a c/n ratio of 32. all feedstock combinations maintained neutral ph levels, benefiting from the unique properties of each component: waterleaf provided vitamins a and c, food waste supplied carbohydrates and proteins, and cow dung contributed anaerobic microbes essential for digestion. additionally, temperature was a significant factor influencing biogas production.conclusion: co-digesting waterleaf, cow dung, and food waste maximized biogas production, demonstrating the potential for enhanced renewable energy generation through optimized anaerobic digestion processes.