Characterization and Energy Analysis of Fruit Waste and Crop Residues for Sustainable Biogas Production

Abstract

This study aims to determine the characteristics and theoretical BMP of fruit waste (FrW), crop residues (CR) and anaerobic digested sludge (ADS) used as inoculum at different mixing ratios. The FrW and CR were co-digested at different mixing ratios such as 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, and 30:70 for the theoretical biochemical methane and Energy potential. FrW co-digested with CR at a ratio of 30:70 and obtained the highest TBMP 766.27 NmL/g VS and energy potential of 10999.45 KJ/Kg, due to the highest percentages of VS and carbon content of CR. Based on ASTM standards, the laboratory analysis were carried out to calculate the proximate analysis (moisture content, total solids, volatile solids, volatile matter, ash content, and fixed carbon) as well as ultimate analysis (carbon content, hydrogen content, nitrogen content, oxygen content, and Sulphur content). In addition to this, pH, total alkalinity (TA), and volatile fatty acids (VFA) were also examined. The average moisture content and volatile solids range from 7-95% and 63 to 91% respectively. Furthermore, the pH values 4.8 and 5.9 showed that FrW and CR are in acidic nature.