biogas production from a mixture of water hyacinth water chesnut and cowdung

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ISSN: 2278 7798 International Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Research (IJSETR) Volume 2, Issue 1, January 2013 35 All Rights Reserved © 2013 IJSETR AbstractThere is an increasing need to replace conventional energy with the renewable energy to save our natural resources and our environment. Bio-energy seems to be the most probable solution to this crisis. In this study, the biogas production potential of the mixture of water chestnut, water hyacinth and cow dung in the ratio of 1:1:2 has been discussed. The three variants were charged into a 20L portable bio-digester in the ratio of 1:1 with water. They were subjected to anaerobic digestion under a 35 day retention period and mesophilic temperature range of 26 o C-35 o C. Volume of per day biogas production was measured along with the retention time. Generation of biogas from a mixture of aquatic weeds and cow dung upholds the concept of waste to wealth in enhancing sustainability of development. The biogas generated can be utilized by producing energy from its combustion. Index TermsAquatic weeds, Biogas, Water Chestnut, Water Hyacinth, Waste. I. INTRODUCTION Achieving solutions to possible shortage in fossil fuels and environmental problems that the world is facing today requires long-term potential actions for sustainable development. In this context, renewable energy resources appear to be one of the most efficient and effective solutions [1]. Bio-energy is now accepted as having the potential to provide a major part of the projected renewable energy provisions of the future [2-3]. Biogas, which is one of the byproducts of anaerobic digestion, comprises about 60% methane and 40% carbon dioxide [4]. It has been used as a source of fuel in several countries such as India, China, Sweden, Bangladesh etc. for lighting and cooking purposes. The content of biogas varies with the material being decomposed and the environmental conditions involved [5]. Biogas production comprises of three stages namely hydrolysis, acidogenesis and methanogenesis. (C 6 H 10 O 5 )n + nH 2 O → n (C 6 H 12 O 6 ) - Hydrolysis n(C 6 H 12 O 6 )nCH 3 COOH-Acidogenesis 3nCH 3 COOH → n CH 4 + CO 2 - Methanogenesis Various wastes have been utilized for biogas production and they include amongst others; animal wastes [6-8], industrial K. Sudhakar, Assistant Professor, Department of Energy, M.A.N.I.T. Bhopal 462051, Madhya Pradesh, India Tel: +91-755-4051000, Fax: +91-755-2670562, R.Ananthakrishnan ,B.Tech Scholar, , Department of Energy, M.A.N.I.T. Bhopal 462051, Madhya Pradesh, India,Tel: +919981205755, Abhishek Goyal, B.Tech Scholar, , Department of Energy, M.A.N.I.T. Bhopal 462051, Madhya Pradesh, India, Tel: +918989005101, . wastes [9] and food processing wastes [10]. Aquatic weeds are one of such biomass being considered as a potential feed stock [11-13]. A biogas system becomes flammable when its methane content is at least 45%.Methane has a heating value of 15.6 MJ/kg [14]. Consequently, biogas can be utilized in all energy consuming applications designed for natural gas [15]. Water Hyacinth is recognized as a very aggressive species of aquatic plant, which grows very fast and eliminates other aquatic species in its composition [16]. In many places in India, such as the lakes of Bhopal, water hyacinth continues to present daunting environmental and economic problems. Water chestnut is an annual, floating-leaved aquatic plant of temperate and tropical fresh-water wetlands, rivers, lakes, ponds, and estuaries. Water chestnut forms extensive dense beds in lakes, rivers, and freshwater-tidal habitats. Because of this tendency it is considered as a pest in the U.S. This causes displacement of aquatic plants, interference with fishing and boating, as well as the depletion of dissolved oxygen which adversely affects fish communities [17]. Bhopal is a city which has several lakes where water hyacinth and water chestnut are present in plethora. Consequently, this study was undertaken to investigate the production of biogas from these aquatic weeds. II. EXPERIMENTAL A. Digester Design The bio-digester was made from a 20L water can as shown in figure 1. The neck of the can was closed with a cork. By using aeralyte the neck was made air-tight so as to prevent any escape of biogas. The cork was drilled and plastic T valve was inserted. One outlet was connected to a spherical mylar balloon and the other outlet was connected to Bunsen burner. The biogas when produced was stored in the mylar ballon. The bio-digester was placed in the bio-energy lab where optimum sunlight is available throughout the day. The study was performed during October-November 2012. The Bunsen burner was used to check the flammability of the gas. Biogas Production from a mixture of Water Hyacinth, Water Chestnut and Cow Dung K. Sudhakar, R.Ananthakrishnan and Abhishek Goyal

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Page 1: Biogas Production From a Mixture of Water Hyacinth Water Chesnut and Cowdung

ISSN: 2278 – 7798

International Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Research (IJSETR)

Volume 2, Issue 1, January 2013

35 All Rights Reserved © 2013 IJSETR

Abstract— There is an increasing need to replace

conventional energy with the renewable energy to save our

natural resources and our environment. Bio-energy seems to be

the most probable solution to this crisis. In this study, the biogas

production potential of the mixture of water chestnut, water

hyacinth and cow dung in the ratio of 1:1:2 has been discussed.

The three variants were charged into a 20L portable

bio-digester in the ratio of 1:1 with water. They were subjected

to anaerobic digestion under a 35 day retention period and

mesophilic temperature range of 26o C-35

o C. Volume of per day

biogas production was measured along with the retention time.

Generation of biogas from a mixture of aquatic weeds and cow

dung upholds the concept of waste to wealth in enhancing

sustainability of development. The biogas generated can be

utilized by producing energy from its combustion.

Index Terms— Aquatic weeds, Biogas, Water Chestnut,

Water Hyacinth, Waste.

I. INTRODUCTION

Achieving solutions to possible shortage in fossil fuels and

environmental problems that the world is facing today

requires long-term potential actions for sustainable

development. In this context, renewable energy resources

appear to be one of the most efficient and effective solutions

[1]. Bio-energy is now accepted as having the potential to

provide a major part of the projected renewable energy

provisions of the future [2-3]. Biogas, which is one of the

byproducts of anaerobic digestion, comprises about 60%

methane and 40% carbon dioxide [4]. It has been used as a

source of fuel in several countries such as India, China,

Sweden, Bangladesh etc. for lighting and cooking purposes.

The content of biogas varies with the material being

decomposed and the environmental conditions involved [5].

Biogas production comprises of three stages namely

hydrolysis, acidogenesis and methanogenesis.

(C6H10O5)n + nH2O → n (C6 H12 O6) - Hydrolysis

n(C6H12O6)→nCH3COOH-Acidogenesis

3nCH3COOH → n CH4 + CO2- Methanogenesis

Various wastes have been utilized for biogas production and

they include amongst others; animal wastes [6-8], industrial

K. Sudhakar, Assistant Professor, Department of Energy, M.A.N.I.T.

Bhopal 462051, Madhya Pradesh, India

Tel: +91-755-4051000, Fax: +91-755-2670562,

R.Ananthakrishnan ,B.Tech Scholar, , Department of Energy,

M.A.N.I.T. Bhopal 462051, Madhya Pradesh, India,Tel: +919981205755,

Abhishek Goyal, B.Tech Scholar, , Department of Energy, M.A.N.I.T.

Bhopal 462051, Madhya Pradesh, India, Tel: +918989005101,

.

wastes [9] and food processing wastes [10]. Aquatic weeds

are one of such biomass being considered as a potential feed

stock [11-13]. A biogas system becomes flammable when its

methane content is at least 45%.Methane has a heating value

of 15.6 MJ/kg [14]. Consequently, biogas can be utilized in

all energy consuming applications designed for natural gas

[15].

Water Hyacinth is recognized as a very aggressive species of

aquatic plant, which grows very fast and eliminates other

aquatic species in its composition [16]. In many places in

India, such as the lakes of Bhopal, water hyacinth continues

to present daunting environmental and economic problems.

Water chestnut is an annual, floating-leaved aquatic plant of

temperate and tropical fresh-water wetlands, rivers, lakes,

ponds, and estuaries. Water chestnut forms extensive dense

beds in lakes, rivers, and freshwater-tidal habitats. Because of

this tendency it is considered as a pest in the U.S. This causes

displacement of aquatic plants, interference with fishing and

boating, as well as the depletion of dissolved oxygen which

adversely affects fish communities [17]. Bhopal is a city

which has several lakes where water hyacinth and water

chestnut are present in plethora.

Consequently, this study was undertaken to investigate the

production of biogas from these aquatic weeds.

II. EXPERIMENTAL

A. Digester Design

The bio-digester was made from a 20L water can as shown in

figure 1. The neck of the can was closed with a cork. By using

aeralyte the neck was made air-tight so as to prevent any

escape of biogas. The cork was drilled and plastic T valve

was inserted. One outlet was connected to a spherical mylar

balloon and the other outlet was connected to Bunsen burner.

The biogas when produced was stored in the mylar ballon.

The bio-digester was placed in the bio-energy lab where

optimum sunlight is available throughout the day. The study

was performed during October-November 2012. The Bunsen

burner was used to check the flammability of the gas.

Biogas Production from a mixture of Water

Hyacinth, Water Chestnut and Cow Dung

K. Sudhakar, R.Ananthakrishnan and Abhishek Goyal

Page 2: Biogas Production From a Mixture of Water Hyacinth Water Chesnut and Cowdung

ISSN: 2278 – 7798

International Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Research (IJSETR)

Volume 2, Issue 1, January 2013

36

All Rights Reserved © 2013 IJSETR

Figure 1: Biodigester setup

B. Preparation and Feeding of Biomass

Water hyacinth (Jal Kumbhi) and Water Chestnut (Singada)

was obtained from lakes of Bhopal. Cow dung was obtained

from the nearby village in MANIT district. 500 gms of both

the aquatic weeds were allowed to dry and then chopped as

shown in figure 2. These dried and chopped aquatic plants

were then mixed with freshly procured cow dung, in the ratio

of 1:2 by volume. The bio-digester was fed with this mixture

along with water in the ratio of 1:1 by volume, making net

volume as 18L. The digester contents were stirred adequately

and on a daily basis to ensure homogenous dispersion of the

constituents of the mixture. Gas production measured in

dm3/kg of slurry (15kg) was obtained by measuring the

diameter of mylar balloon using a measuring tape.

Figure 2: Dried and chopped water chestnut

C. Analysis

Gas production was measured in dm3 per kg of slurry (15kg)

by obtaining the diameter of mylar balloon using a measuring

tape. Flammability was checked by igniting the gas at Bunsen

burner.

III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The experiment was carried out under ambient temperature

range of 26 to 36oC and within a retention period of 35 days.

The daily biogas production is graphically presented in Fig 3.

The digester commenced biogas production within 24hr of its

charging. The output gas obtained became flammable within

24hr of charging the digester. The gas production and its

flammability reduced drastically on the 17th day and

increased after 22nd day. The cumulative biogas yield of the

paper waste was lower in the first 17 days.

When the biogas production resumed, it was observed that

the production was quite high and continued long until the

blend nearly stopped production. A highest of 1.21L of

biogas was produced on the 19th day. The average per day

production of biogas was 0.326L/day. However when the

flammable biogas production resumed, it was observed that

the gas production was quite high and continued long after

the blend had nearly stopped production. Overall 11.41L of

biogas was accumulated by the end of the retention period.

The general accepted mean calorific value of biogas is

20MJ/m3. The energy that can obtained by 11.41L of biogas

would be 228KJ.

Figure 3: Volume of gas production (L) vs Days

IV. CONCLUSION

The study has shown that water hyacinth and water chestnut

which can be found in abundance everywhere including the

lakes of Bhopal, are very good feedstock for biogas

production. These aquatic weeds which interfere in the

growth of other aquatic plants and clog lakes making it

difficult for boating, fishing, and swimming, can be utilized

for energy generation. The study has also shown the mixture

of water chestnut, water hyacinth and cow dung gives

sustained gas flammability throughout the digestion period of

the biomass. The biogas obtained can be utilized to replace

the cooking gas to some extent. Biogas can be produced by

organizations near the lakes of the city. Biogas can also be

used in engines by the route of combustion.

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

1.4

1 4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25 28 31 34

Volume Production in Litres

Page 3: Biogas Production From a Mixture of Water Hyacinth Water Chesnut and Cowdung

ISSN: 2278 – 7798

International Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Research (IJSETR)

Volume 2, Issue 1, January 2013

37 All Rights Reserved © 2013 IJSETR

REFERENCES

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energy and sustainable development in Turkey. Renewable

Energy.25 (3):431-453.

[2]Schuck, S., 2006. Biomass as an energy source. INT. J.

ENVIRON. STUD. 63(6):823-835.

[3] Kaygusuz, K., 2009. Bioenergy as a Clean and

Sustainable Fuel: Energy Sources Part A. 31(12):535-545.

[4] Maishanu, S.M., Musa, M. and Sambo, A.S., (1990)

Biogas Technology: The output of the Sokoto Energy

Research Centre. Nigerian Journal of Solar Energy.

9:183-194.

[5] Anunputtikul, W. and Rodtong, S., (2004) The Joint

International Conference on “Sustainable Energy and

Environmental (SEE)”, Hua Hin, Thailand. 1-3 Dec:

238-243.

[6] Nwagbo, E.E., Dioha, I.J. and Gulma, M.A., (1991)

Qualitative investigation of biogas from Cow and Donkey

dung. Nigerian Journal of Solar Energy. 10:145-149.

[7] Zuru, A.A., Saidu, H., Odum, E.A., and Onuorah,O.

A.,(1998) A comparative study of biogas production from

horse, goat and sheep dungs. Nigerian Journal of Renewable

Energy.6 (1&2):43-47.

[8] Alvarez, R., Villica, R., and Liden, G., (2006) Biogas

production from llama manure at high altitude. Biomass and

Bioenergy. 30: 66-75.

[9] Uzodinma, E.O., Ofoefule, A.U., Eze, J.I. and Onwuka,

N.D., (2007). Biogas Production from blends of

Agro-industrial wastes. Trends in Applied Sciences Research

2 (6): 554-558.

[10] Arvanitoyannis, I.S. and Varzakas, Т.Н., (2008)

Vegetable waste treatment, Critical. Reviews in Food Science

and Nutrition. 48(3):205-247.

[11] Vaidyanathan, S., Kavadia, K.M., Shroff, K.C. and

Mahajan, S.P., (1985) Biogas production in batch and semi

continuous digesters using water hyacinth: Biotechnology

and Bioengineering. 27(6):905-8.

[12] Verma, V.K., Singh, Y.P. and Rai, J.P.N., (2007) Biogas

production from plant biomass used for phytoremediation of

industrial wastes. Bio resource Technology. 98:1664–1669.

[13] Momoh O.L.Y. and Nwaogazie I.L., (2008). Effect of

waste paper on biogas production from co- digestion of cow

dung and water hyacinth in batch reactors. Journal Applied

Science and Environmental Management, 124:95–98.

[14] FAO (1979). China: Azolla Propagation and small

Biogas Technology Agricultural Service Bulletin No.41 FAO

Rome.

[15] Ross, C., (1966). Handbook on Biogas Utilization, 2nd

Edition Muscle shoals. Al Southeastern Regional Biomass

Energy Program, Tennessee Valley Authority.

[16] Holm, L.G., Plucknett, D.L., Pancho,J.V., and

Herberger, J.P.,(1977) The world’s worst weeds: Distribution

and biology. Honolulu: University Press of Hawaii. 609.

[17] Hummel , M. and Kiviat, E., (2004).Review of World

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17-28

K.Sudhakar obtained his B.E in Mechanical

Engineering from Government College of

Engg., Salem and M.Tech in Energy

Management from School of Energy And

Environmental Studies, Devi Ahilya

University, Indore and Ph.D from National

Insitute of Technology,Tiruchirapalli.. He was

awarded Senior Research Fellowship by DST

and Young Scientist Award by Madhya

Pradesh State Council of Science and

Technology, Bhopal. His major research area

includes: Climate Change, Carbon

Sequestration, Hybrid System, Plant Fuel cell, Algal Bio-fuel, Solar

Thermal & PV Systems,Wind Energy and Energy Conservation. He has

published more than 50 research papers in International Journal and

Conference. He is a Certified Energy Manager & Energy Auditor by BEE.

He has been a keynote speaker and resource person at several

International/National Conferences. He is currently working as Assistant

Professor in Energy Department,Maulana Azad National Institute of

Technology, Bhopal.E-mail address: [email protected]

R.Ananthakrishnan. Final year, B.Tech,

energy engineering, Maulana Azad National

Institute of Technology, Bhopal, Madhya

Pradesh. India .He has interests in the field of

Biomass Energy. He has also presented a paper

at the technical festival of IIT-B.

Mr.Ananthakrishnan is currently the Chairman

at the Indian Society for Technical Education

Students Chapter MANIT.

Email address: [email protected]

Abhishek Goyal. Final year, B.Tech, energy

engineering, Maulana Azad National Institute

of Technology, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

India. He has interests in the field of Solar,

Wind and Biomass Energy. He is currently

working in the cultivation of algae for biofuel.

He is currently a member of ISTE and SAE

MANIT.

Email: [email protected]