Utilization of Plantain (Musa species) Leaves for Biogas Production
Anthony E. Aiwonegbe *
Department of Chemistry, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
John O. Akinyomi
Department of Chemistry, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
Esther U. Ikhuoria
Department of Chemistry, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: To determine the relationship between the volumes of biogas that can be produced using different biomass/water ratios.
Study Design: Biogas was produced by the anaerobic digestion or fermentation of plantain leaves. A practical laboratory scale experimental design was used to find out the effect of biomass/water ratio and retention time on the volume of biogas generated using sun-dried and ground plantain leaves as the feed stock.
Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out in Chemistry Department, University of Benin City, Nigeria. Study was done between March and June, 2012.
Methodology: Five (5) biodigesters were used for the biogas production with different biomass/water ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4 and 1:5) and for a 10-day retention period. The average pH and temperature of the biodigesters were 7.80±0.50 and 30.00±20.00C respectively. The biogas produced was characterized using a gas chromatography system 6890 series (and 6890 plus)
Results: Certain amounts of Methane, Nitrogen, and Oxygen were detected in the gas produced. Proximate analysis of the plantain leaves gave the percentage composition by mass of Nitrogen (0.14%), Crude protein (0.91%), Potassium (1.15%), Sodium (0.06%), Phosphorus (0.09%), Calcium (2.00%), Magnessium (0.69%), Sulphate (0.08%), Organic carbon (12.52%), Organic matter (28.00%) and ash content (5.30%).
Conclusion: Using plantain leaves as feed stock, optimum biogas production can be attained using a biomass/water ratio of 1:4, over a ten-day period. But there is need for further work to validate reliability and also reduce the volume of nitrogen in the biogas produced.
Keywords: Anaerobic, biogas, biomass, biodigester, plantain, methane