Biomethane Generation from the Leaves and Stems of Ricinus communis under Anaerobic Condition

摘要

The foremost interest in this research is to assay the potential of the leaves and stems of Ricinus communis in generation of Biogas under anaerobic condition. Three digesters were studied which include Ricinus communis leaves, Ricinus communis stem and Cowdung (reference sample). The slurries in each digester contained 40 g sample and 800 ml of water (i.e. 0.05gcm~(-3) slurry concentrations). Physicochemical characterization of the digesters for percentage moisture contents (%MC), ash content (%AC), volatile matter (%VM), total solid (%TS), and carbon contents (%CC) were also assayed. The results of the pH varied from 6.8 to 7.1, the temperature fluctuated from 27℃ to 33℃. The retention time was 84 days (i.e. 12 weeks). The total volumes of biogas generated were 7.92, 6.13 and 4.38 Litres for Cowdung, Ricinus communis and Ricinus communis stem respectively. The biogas production capacity order for the three substrates during the 12 weeks period is Cowdung > Ricinus communis leaves > Ricinus communis stem. Physicochemical analysis on some parameters that affect the Biogas generation process was also conducted.