Prospect of sustainable energy (biogas) generation for use in University of Uyo cafeteria

Purpose: This study explored the potential of biogas production from wastes generated in University of Uyo, as an alternative source of energy for the University Cafeteria.

Design/methodology/approach: Three major wastes were collected from University of Uyo Annex Campus, consisting of cow dung, poultry litter and kitchen wastewater (from the University Cafeteria). As a quantitative research, the study adopted an experimental design that involved the treatment and use of the collected wastes as substrate for digestion and generation of biogas.

Findings: The experimental procedure of co-digesting 11.5kg of combined cow dung, poultry litter and kitchen wastewater, resulted in the production of 8500ml of raw biogas. Further, to obtain pure methane from the raw biogas, impurities such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide were removed using two chemical scrubbing solutions, comprising of ordinary water with sodium hydroxide, and ferric chloride with sodium hydroxide. Test for combustibility of the purified gas indicated a positive result, as the obtained gas supported burning.

Research Limitations/Implications: A bigger anaerobic digester would have been used to produce larger volumes of biogas; however, this requires more funds to execute.

Practical Implications: With the adoption of this technology in larger scale, landfilling of University of Uyo wastes would be greatly reduced and possibly eliminated. Also, if on a pilot scale, 8,500ml of raw biogas was produced from 11.5kg of combined waste, then there is need to explore the large amount of organic waste that are readily available within septic tanks or sewage systems in the University.

Originality/value: As there is currently no unit within the university where wastes are converted into renewable energy, the support and operation of this technology in larger scale would highly enhance the sustainability status of University of Uyo.