PRODUCTION OF BIOGAS FROM TERMIDEGRADATION OF SUGARCANE BAGASSE, MAIZE COB AND COCONUT HUSK

Abstract

Abstract The escalating global energy demand and environmental concerns associated with fossil fuels have intensified the search for sustainable alternatives. Agro solid waste offers a large volume of lignocellulosic material, a sustainable, underutilized resource material to develop a wide portfolio of renewable energy products. However, their complex lignocellulosic structure often limits microbial accessibility during standard anaerobic digestion processes. This study evaluates the biomethane production potentials of the selected lignocellulosic agricultural biomasses, utilizing the specialized cellulolytic microorganisms found in the termite gut to act as a natural bioreactor for efficient biomass degradation. Three in-situ termireactors were fabricated using polycarbonate material (plexiglass) and inserted into existing active termites’ colony to mimic its natural habitat. Sugarcane bagasse, maize cob, and coconut husks were the selected cellulose sources and characterization was carried out in accordance with ASTM D 5142-04. The termites in their termitaries were fed selected feedstocks and the emitted gas were obtained. Temperature fluctuations ranged between 27.17°C and 31.19°C, with peaks corresponding to active microbial phases such as acidogenesis and methanogenesis. Feed consumption increased steadily for all substrates, with sugarcane bagasse showing the highest consumption of 0.63 kg on day 13 and 0.83kg on day 30 due to its favorable lignocellulosic structure. Daily and cumulative biogas production followed an upward trajectory with retention time, emphasizing the impact of feedstock composition. Sugarcane bagasse emerged as the most efficient substrate, having yielded 66.3% methane against 61.24 and 57.81% from coconut husks and maize cobs respectively.