Biogas production with horse dung in solid-phase digestion systems

Bioresour Technol. 2008 Mar;99(5):1280-92. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2007.02.008. Epub 2007 Mar 26.

Abstract

Experiments on methanogenesis from horse dung were conducted in laboratory-scale batch reactors in order to determine the substrate performance in a solid-phase digestion process, more specifically in terms of potential energy recovery and suitable process technology. Dung from a horse stable with straw bedding was used. The temperature was kept in the mesophilic range. In the percolation process (with process water sprinkled over the stacked biomass) a proportion of 10-20% of solid inoculum (pre-digested horse dung) was found to be suitable. Comparative experiments with both percolation and flooding revealed a higher biogas production per volume for the flooded process, as no addition of solid inoculum was necessary. Methane yield from fresh material was similar in both processes: around 170 L(N) CH(4) per kg VS added was obtained in six-week cycles with untreated material under optimized conditions. Methane production was increased after chopping the substrate. Pre-aeration resulted in decreased methane production.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bioelectric Energy Sources
  • Bioreactors*
  • Horses*
  • Manure*
  • Methane / metabolism*
  • Time Factors
  • Water

Substances

  • Manure
  • Water
  • Methane