Abstract:
The escalating demand for sustainable energy sources has propelled the exploration of biogas production, a process transforming organic waste into a valuable energy resource. This study investigates the feasibility of anaerobic co-digestion, employing water hyacinth and fish waste as co-substrates in a continuous-flow digester. The primary objective is to evaluate the economic viability and efficiency of the biogas production system.
The research employs a small-scale, low-cost batch digester system, offering a cost-effective approach suitable for resource-constrained settings. The digester design incorporates locally available materials, and the feedstock, composed of water hyacinth and fish waste, undergoes meticulous preparation and loading. The anaerobic digestion process is initiated, and key parameters such as temperature, pH, and gas production are regularly monitored in the simulation tool.
Through simulations, the proposed model predicts a cumulative biogas production of 10.5806 liters over 30 days. The sensitivity analysis unveils the system's responsiveness to variations in water hyacinth substrate concentration, emphasizing the need for precise control of environmental factors. Comparative analysis of biogas generation from the co-digestion of the water hyacinth and fish waste with existing literature reaffirms the reliability of the obtained results.
The economic assessment demonstrates a potential monthly income of 17,483 RWF, considering the generated biogas quantity. Moreover, a payback period analysis, factoring in monthly expenses and income, suggests a sustainable investment time frame.
This research sheds light on the promising prospects of anaerobic co-digestion with water hyacinth and fish waste. It underscores the importance of community engagement, process optimization, and continuous monitoring for the successful implementation of biogas projects. The biogas production of 10.5806 liters over 30 days contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable energy solutions and provides a foundation for future research and implementation strategies.
The results and conclusions drawn from this study have provided valuable insights into the feasibility, optimization, and potential benefits of co-digestion for biogas generation from water hyacinth and fish waste in the specific context of Lake Kivu's shores.
