Modelling and Optimization of Biogas Production from Co-Digestion of Cassava Vinasse with Other Biodegradation Wastes

Abstract:

Biogas produced via anaerobic digestion where microorganisms break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen, is seen as a promising solution to global energy and environmental challenges. Co-digestion of two or more wastes enhances biogas yield. However, study on optimization of biogas yield using substrate combination is seldom reported. This study was conducted to determine optimum substrate combination to maximize biogas yield. Simple lattice mixture design (SLMD) of Design Expert 13 was employed for experimental design and model development. SLMD was used to systematically vary ratios of different biodegradable wastes. Cassava vinasse (CV), kitchen waste (KW), cow dung (CD) and poultry dropping (PD) were taken as independent variables, and biogas yield as response. Fifteen biodigesters were set-up for the laboratory experiment. Four of the biodigesters were single-waste setups, while the rest digesters were used for co-digestion. A Scheffé quadratic model was developed to predict biogas yield and numerical optimization technique was used for optimization. The model developed gave adequate prediction with coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.7504 and adequate precision of 7.72. The optimum substrate combination of cassava vinasse (8.6%), kitchen waste (7.1%), cow dung (41.6%) and poultry droppings (42.7%) were obtained for co-digestion process. The findings from this study made invaluable contributions to the field of waste co-digestion to enhance biogas production, offering a sustainable approach to managing organic waste and producing renewable energy.

• Periodical: Engineering Chemistry (Volume 12)
• Pages: 37-48
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-p9otpD
• Online since: December 2025
• Authors: Oludare Johnson Odejobi*, Taiwo Hassan Ibrahim, Olajide Olukayode Ajala
• Keywords: Biodegradable Wastes, Co-Digestion, Mixture Design, Optimization, Quadratic Model

References

[1] Odejobi O., Ajala O., Osuolale F. Review on potential of using agricultural, municipal solid and industrial wastes as substrates for biogas production in Nigeria. Biomass Conv. Bioref. (2022) 1-13.

DOI: 10.1007/s13399-022-02613-y

[2] Weiland P. Biogas production: current state and perspectives. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 85 (2010) 849–860.

DOI: 10.1007/s00253-009-2246-7

[3] Zhang, B., Cai, W., He, P., and Li, X. Anaerobic digestion: a review on process monitoring. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 121 (2020). 109652.

[4] Burke, A.D. Diary Waste Anaerobic Digestion Handbook. Environmental Energi Company: Olympia, (2001).

[5] Ryckebosch, E., Drouillon, M., and Vervaeren, H. Biomass and Bioenergy, 35 (5), (2011) 1633–1645.

DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2011.02.033

[6] Valerio Paolini, Francesco Petracchini, Marco Segreto, Laura Tomassetti, NourNaja& Angelo Cecinato. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A, 53:10, (2018) 899- 906.

DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2018.1459076

[7] Ajala, O., and Odejobi, O. Modelling, simulation and optimization of domestic and agricultural wastes-based anaerobic digestion using Aspen Plus. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, (2023).

DOI: 10.1007/s13399-023-05128-2

[8] Khan, I.U., Othman, M.H., Hashim, H., Matsuura, T., Ismail, A.F., Rezaei-Dasht Arzhandi, M., and Wan Azelee, I. Biogas from renewable biomass: An overview of purification and upgrading technologies to meet natural gas standards. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 98 (2019) 144-164.

DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2018.09.017

[9] Ribeiro, T., Fernandes, H., & Castro, P. Anaerobic co-digestion: A review of the fundamentals, processes and applications. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 90 (2018) 127-144.

DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2018.03.083

[10] Olsson, J., Schwede, S., Thorin, E. and Nehrenheim, E. Co-digestion of sewage sludge and microalgae-biogas production investigations. Applied Energy, 198 (2017) 200-208.

DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.08.085

[11] Mata-Alvarez J, Dosta J, Mace S, Astals S. Codigestion of solid wastes: a review of its uses and perspectives including modeling. Crit Rev Biotechnol 31(2) (2011) 99–111.

DOI: 10.3109/07388551.2010.525496

[12] Hui Yang, and Shuri Li. Emergy analysis of cassava vinasse treatment. Process Safety and Environmental Protection. Volume 91, Issue 6, (2013) 503-507.

DOI: 10.1016/j.psep.2013.01.003

[13] Yavuz, Y. EC and EF processes for the treatment of alcohol distillery wastewater. Sep. Purif. Technol., 53 (2007) 135-140.

DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2006.08.022

[14] Tumusiime, E. Kirabira, J. B., and Musinguzi., W.B. Optimization of substrate mixing ratios for wet anaerobic digestion of selected organic waste streams for productive biogas systems. Energy Reports 8 (2022) 10409 – 10417.

DOI: 10.1016/j.egyr.2022.08.189

[15] Lam, J., Heegde, F. Domestic biogas compact course: Technology and mass-dissemination experiences from Asia (2011).

[16] Wang, Z., Jiang, Y., Wang, S., Zhang, Y., Hu, Y., Hu, Z., Wu, G.Z. Impact of total solids content on anaerobic co-digestion of pig manure and food waste: Insights into shifting of the methanogenic pathway. Waste Manage. 114 (2020) 96–106.

DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2020.06.048

[17] Odejobi O.J., Olawuni O.A., Dahunsi S.O. and John A.A. Evaluation of Biogas Production from Bio-Digestion of Organic Wastes. International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa. 51 (2020) 217-227.

DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/jera.51.217

[18] Odejobi O., Ajala O., Osuolale F. Anaerobic co-digestion of kitchen waste and animal manure: a review of operating parameters, inhibiting factors, and pre-treatment with their impact on process performance. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery (2021).

DOI: 10.1007/s13399-021-01626-3

[19] Jaro R., Icalina M., Talemporos R., Napinˇas P., Potato D., Manuel L., et al. Biogas production from waste pulps of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) via anaerobic digestion. Energ. Ecol. Environ. (2020).

DOI: 10.1007/s40974-020-00182-2