Background
Anaerobic degradation entails the conversion of substrate organic matter to biogas. A wide variety of substrate has been employed. The biochemical methane potential of twenty market wastes was investigated using rumen fluid inoculum.
Experimental
The proximate properties like carbohydrates, crude proteins, crude lipids, fibre, and moisture levels were determined using standard procedures. The physio-chemical analysis was done to investigate the ash, total solids and volatile matter content. The substrates biogas production capacity based on elemental composition, COD, organic fraction composition was investigated. However, the BMP experiments were carried out at mesophillic conditions.
Results
The total biogas production was in the range of 1000 to 3500ml, with a methane composition of 56 – 60%. The biodegradability of the substrates ranges from 71 to 94%, subject to the lignin levels.
Conclusion
The BMP studies are vital in assessing the methane potential of the substrate without carrying out the experiments. Keywords : Biogas, Methane, rumen fluid, market wastes.