Investigating The Biochemical Methane Potential of Kumasi's Municipal Solid Wastes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26437/ajar.v11i1.824Keywords:
Anaerobic digestion. biochemical. kinetic models. methane. solid wastesAbstract
Purpose: This paper aims to ascertain the biochemical methane potential of organic waste generated in Kumasi for renewable energy production.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative experimental approach was employed on Batch anaerobic digestion experiments, and methane yields were analysed with kinetic models.
Findings: The modified Gompertz model had the best fit, with a R² = 0.9962, which gave a methane production rate of 19.47 ml CH₄ g⁻¹ VS Day and a BMP of 219.35 ml CH₄ g⁻¹ VS.
Research Limitation: It has also been pointed out that further optimisation of AD processes for methane yield and efficiency is required. Key limitations pertain to scalability and unoptimised parameters.
Practical Implication: The study confirms that organic waste-to-biogas conversion in Kumasi is viable and represents a partial solution to problems of organic waste management and renewable energy generation. That will reduce disposal costs from waste, low dependence on fossil fuel, and open opportunities in resource recovery for operational efficiencies that work toward environmental sustainability.
Social Implication: Better waste management will help reduce environmental pollution. In addition, appropriate development in terms of sustainability and enhancement of energy security will occur.
Originality/Value: This research provides information on wastes around Kumasi that can be used to produce biogas and advance sustainable waste-to-energy practices. This study introduces a novel application of kinetic models to assess Kumasi’s organic waste for biogas production, offering localised data and tailored optimisation strategies. It contributes to advancing waste-to-energy practices and supports sustainable waste management in Ghana.
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