Development of a Mini Cattle Dung Biodigester

The escalating environmental challenges caused by livestock waste calls for urgent solutions. This research developed a mini biodigester for the production of biogas from cattle dung. The construction of the biodigester consists of a high-density polyethylene drum with slurry inlet and outlet pipe, type k temperature probes and a gas storage chamber. The digester was feed with 40.9 kg of slurry with a water to dungs ratio of 2:1 and the digester was observed for period of thirteen days while monitoring the temperature of the slurry and gas chamber and recording the mass of produced gas on a daily basis. Results shows a temperature range of 27 - 32 for the gas chamber and 27 - 30 for slurry, these temperature levels fell within the mesophilic range which is typically conducive for anaerobic digestion. Results obtained shows that a gestation period of five days is required for the production of biogas from cattle dung and a total volume of 1.5 m3 of biogas was produced. Biodigesters help manage livestock waste more efficiently, reducing odors, and preventing runoff that can contaminate water sources.