Response From Anaerobic Digestion of Laying Hen Manure With Biochar Addition

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the anaerobic digestion response of laying hen manure with different inclusion levels of biochar in batch reactors as measured by physicochemical parameters, biogas production and digestate quality. Four levels of biochar inclusions (0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5%) were tested with 3 replicates each. Twelve two-liter anaerobic batch reactors were used for 86 days at 35˚C. Substrate and digestate of each treatment were assessed for monitored parameters, biogas production and digestate quality. Increased levels (0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5%) of biochar were found to gradually reduce total ammonia nitrogen (1794.33, 140.84, 950.81 and 509.32 mg.L-1 , respectively). Despite the positive effect of biochar to accelerate initial biogas production, its use at any inclusion rate did not contribute significantly to biogas production in terms of biogas yield or digestate quality as compared to control treatment.