Potential of Anaerobic Co-digestion of Palm Kernel (Elaeis guineensis) Cake and Cow Dung as Viable Feedstock for Biogas and Bio-fertilizers Production

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to evaluate the potential of Potential of Anaerobic Co-digestion ((AcoD)) of Palm Kernel (Elaeis guineensis) Cake (PKC) and Cow Dung (CD) as Viable Feedstock for Biogas and Bio-fertilizers Production using appropriate methods including The physicochemical characterization of Palm Kernel Cake (PKC) and Cow Dung (CD). Data (mean ± SD) obtained reveals that the level of Ash, total solids, volatile solids, Carbon, and Nitrogen were (24.00 ±0.01) and (5.99 ± 0.06); (89.50 ± 0.00) and (75.25 ± 0.00); (65.50 ± 0.01) and 69.26. ± 0.06); (32.57 ± 0.00) and (28.96 ± 0.03), and (1.19 ± 0.04 and (2.10 ± 0.01) for were Palm Kernel Cake (PKC) and Cow Dung (CD) respectively. The results showed a cumulative biogas production of 14,005 mL with a methane content of 53.33%. The digestates exhibited acidic pH values and contained essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. No heavy metals were detected in the digestates, suggesting their safe application for agricultural use. This study demonstrates the potential of AcoD of PKC and CD as a sustainable approach for managing agricultural waste while producing biogas and biofertilizers.