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Anaerobic Co-digestion of Fresh Maize Leaves with Elephant Grass
Olugbemide, A.D.; Imsuen, A.O.; Oleghe, P.O. & Efosa, J.O.
Abstract
Anaerobic co-digestion of maize leaves (ML) with Elephant grass (EG) was studied in
a single phase digester at ambient temperature (29±3°C). Special attention was paid to synergistic and
antagonistic effect of co-digestion of the substrates on biogas production in order to establish the best
blend. Six different treatments were set up based on mixture proportions in digesters labelled A-E.
Digester A contained 100% maize leaves (100% ML), which served as control. The compositions of
other digesters were as follows: Digester B contained 90% ML and 10% EG, C 80% ML, 20% EG, D
70% ML, 30% EG, and E 60% ML, 40% EG. The initial pH of the digesters varied from 3.94-4.12 while
the final pH ranged from 3.01-10.49. 100% ML produced 520ml of biogas at the end of 20 days of the
experiment. Digesters B and E had synergistic effects on biogas production with total volume of 870ml
and 610ml respectively. However, Digesters C and D had negative effects on biogas yield producing
460ml and 400ml. Percentage decreases of the two digesters were 11.5% and 23.1% respectively. Digester
E showed 67.3% higher biogas production compared to digestion of maize leaves alone.
Keywords
co-digestion, maize leaves, elephant grass, biogas, synergistic effect
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