Full Length Research Paper
Mohammed Gedefaw
Abstract
The present study was based on a pilot biogas plant of 6 m 3 installed at College of Agriculture and Rural Transformation campus in University of Gondar. The ideal feed size for food waste was 2.5 cm. The co-digestion of food waste with fresh cow dung as a starter gave significantly better results. The process was successfully demonstrated by using temperature controlled system to maintain thermophilic conditions. The process resulted in the production of nutrient rich slurry with high NPK content and high C/N ratio. This slurry can be used as a natural fertilizer. Thus the food waste proved to be a valuable alternate source of energy. The setup confirmed to be cost effective as it was not only a cheap source of energy but also a source of nutrient rich organic fertilizer. In the long run it will help in minimization of solid waste disposal and ultimately the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the waste. Therefore, the application of biogas technology has economic, environmental, health and social benefits. It ultimately contributes towards sustainable development.