Assessment of biogas technology as a rural waste management alternative

Date

1993

Abstract

The study resulted in the following specific observations : 1) the generated effluent quality after anaerobic digestion falls below the standards set by EMB, DENR for receiving fresh waterbodies; 2) biogas technology is a viable treatment for the removal of obnoxious odors produced in livestock farms; 3) economic viability relies upon both the utilization of biogas technology by-products and as a pollution abatement measure; 4) maintenance of income generated from the livestock farm is the greatest factor towards adoption of biogas technology; 5) the resource recovery component of biogas technology particularly the biogas is also a strong attraction for its adoption; and 6) the level of knowledge and expertise of the rural biogas owners about biogas technology is adequate to sustain the operation and maintenance of a biogas system. However, adequate utilization of by-products is limited to biogas. With the findings of the study, the following modifications are hereby suggested for incorporation in the design : 1) anaerobic pre-treatment sections can be eliminated not only to increase biogas production but to decrease total capital investment; 2) circular digesters are preferred than rectangular digesters to eliminate dead volumes for a more stabilized slurry and effluent; and 3) additional treatment system is needed after anaerobic digestion for the effluent to be discharged to receiving bodies of water or be re-use for irrigation, livestock washing, etc.The study therefore, recommended the following : 1) more emphasis on resource recovery component and waste treatment aspect; 2) more direct involvement of future biogas owners during construction for wider knowledge; 3) setting up of the nearest existing biogas system in the area as the demonstration set for credibility of its use and importance as well as its operation and maintenance capabilities; and 4) more capital support for the low level income rural farmers from the government and other agencies in order to meet the high capital expenditure for the biogas system.

Document Type

Master Thesis

Degree

Master of Science in Environmental Science

College

School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM)

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