Cow dung and paper waste co-digestion for biogas production and use in buildings

The world currently faces perennial energy crisis as a consequence of declining fossil fuel reserves and unprecedented upsurge in crude oil prices. This energy challenge explains the growing efforts toward providing alternative energy sources and upgrading of existing technologies. To this end, this study aimed at exploring the potentials of generating clean energy, using solid wastes generated within a University Campus. To achieve this, cow dung and paper waste were co-digested in a laboratory. 7.82kg of the combined waste (cow dung and paper waste) was digested in a bioreactor resulting in the production of 6000ml of raw biogas. To ensure the flammability of the gas, the raw biogas was treated with water, Ferric Chloride (FeCl₃) and Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), as scrubbers, in order to eliminate potential impurities such as Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S). The treated biogas was finally tested for flammability and a high-pressure blue-white flame was successfully produced. Based on the findings, it is highly recommended that Universities with an agricultural unit that produces cow dung should consider co-digesting this waste with paper waste from academic activities, for generation of a clean and eco-friendly energy.