Comparative Evaluation of Biogas Production from Cow Dung, Neem Seed and Groundnut Shell

Biogas, a renewable energy source primarily composed of methane and carbon dioxide, is produced by the microbial breakdown of organic materials in the absence of oxygen. This study investigates the production of biogas through the anaerobic digestion of organic substrates, specifically focusing on three substrate combinations: Cow Dung alone, Cow Dung mixed with Neem seed, and Cow Dung mixed with Groundnut shell for maximizing biogas yield and to identify the optimal process parameters, such as temperature and pH, that enhance anaerobic digestion efficiency. The results of the experiments revealed that the combination of Cow Dung and Groundnut shell yielded the highest volume of biogas, producing 1.14 cm³, compared to 0.84 cm³ for the Cow Dung and Neem seed mixture and 0.64 cm³ for Cow Dung alone, respectively. The highest volume of biogas obtained from the combination of Cow Dung and Groundnut shell is attributed to the balanced Carbon-to-Nitrogen (C/N) ratio present in the Cow Dung and Groundnut shell combination, which is essential for supporting the growth of microorganisms responsible for breaking down organic matter efficiently during anaerobic digestion. The study's findings revealed that using these materials can provide a promising solution for waste management and sustainable energy production.