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Abstract

In this study, blends of cassava peels (CP) with poultry manure (CP) were co-fermented to evaluate the performance and predict the rate of biogas production. The physicochemical characteristics of the bioreactor feeds were estimated by standard methods. Bioreactors of 12L capacity labeled BR1-BR4 were charged with 65g/L of the feeds in different ratios, giving a final weight of 520g in 8L. The fermentation was operated in a batch mode under ambient temperature conditions (25-35OC) for 28 days. The substrates showed good physicochemical characteristics, indicative of their prospects in bioenergy production. The means of cumulative biogas yield (dm3) were BR1 2.93 (0.008dm3/gVS), BR2 13.65 (0.04dm3/gVS), BR3 21.44 (0.05dm3/gVS) and BR4 1.10 (0.003dm3/gVS). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) in biogas yield in all the treatments. Modified Gompertz model gave a suitable description of the kinetics of the anaerobic digestion process, predicting biogas production rate (U), biogas production potential (Ym), and the lag period (λ). The experimental and predicted data of biogas production were properly fitted, with correlation coefficients (R2) > 099, which indicates good process performance.