Comparison of biogas characteristics produced from cow dung and pig dung:

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Date
2015-08
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Kampala International University, School of Engineering and Applied Science
Abstract
Biogas is a mixture of approximately 45-70% methane and 25-40% carbon dioxide and other gases are in small amounts such as nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, water vapor, and trace elements of hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide. The over-dependence on fossil fuels as primary energy source has led to myriads of problems such as global climatic change, environmental degradation and various human health problems. Moreover, the current rise in oil and natural gas prices has called for this research to have alternative energy sources. This study has investigated the characteristics of biogas produced from cow dung and from pig dung; a case study at Uganda Martyrs Secondary School, Kayunga The objective of this research was to compare the characteristics of biogas produced from cow dung and that produced from pig dung The selected substrates were mixed with water in the ratio 1:1 before feeding and checked for stones or other unnecessary materials. The mixture was then placed in the 90 litre digester. Each set up had a thermometer to monitor temperature changes. The measurements that were taken on the biogas produced included the following methane percentage content, carbon dioxide percentage content, oxygen percentage content ,hydrogen sulphide(pprn), and carbon monoxide(ppm). Maximum productivity of methane was obtained from the mixture of 30 kg pig dung and 30 litres of water and it was 52.2%which occurred on day 23 of digestion. Biogas produced from cow dung attained the maximum value of 48.6% on day 22.The production of methane was also hindered by rain fall at area of study , temperature, trace gases such as hydrogen sulphide which limited the methane producing bacteria.
Description
A research dissertation submitted to the college of higher degrees and research in partial fulfillment for the award of Master of Science degree in physics of Kampala International University
Keywords
Biogas characteristics produced, Cow dung, Pig dung
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