Ofoefule, Akuzuo U, Nwankwo, Joseph I, Ibeto, Cynthia N
A study of the biogas production potential of paper waste (PW-A) and its blend with cow dung (PW: CD) in the ratio 1:1 was investigated. The two variants were charged into 50L metal prototype biodigesters in the ratio of 3:1 of water to waste. They were subjected to anaerobic digestion under a 45 day retention period and mesophilic temperature range of 26oC-43oC. The physicochemical parameters of the wastes were determined including microbial analysis. Results obtained showed that PW had a cumulative gas yield of 6.23 ±0.07dm3/kg of slurry with the flash point on the 2nd day even though gas production reduced drastically while the flammability discontinued and resumed after 14 days. Blending increased the cumulative gas yield to 9.34±0.11dm3/kg.slurry representing more than 50% increase. The onset of gas flammability took place on the 6th day and was sustained throughout the retention period. The study showed that paper waste which abounds everywhere and is either burnt off or thrown away constituting nuisance to the environment would be a very good feedstock for biogas production. It also indicates that blending paper waste with cow dung or any other animal waste will give sustained gas flammability throughout the digestion period of the waste since animal wastes are good starters for poor biogas producing wastes. Generation of biogas from paper waste upholds the concept of waste to wealth in enhancing sustainability of development.
