ABSTRACT

Abstract

Solid wastes constitute a major environmental pollution problem globally. Bioenergy production inform of biogas through anaerobic digestion is an effective way of managing the waste as well as energy recovery method. This study has focused on the effect of trace elements on methane gas yield produced from the anaerobic digestion of organic portion of municipal solid waste. Batch anaerobic digesters were operated under mesophilic conditions, both with and without trace elements (Fe, Co and Ni) supplementation at different concentrations. An increase in methane gas yield ranging from 2 – 18 % was recorded in digester systems with trace element supplements, and the maximum methane yield of 78 % was achieved at 20 mg/dm³ Fe addition.

Keywords: Anaerobic Digestion, Trace Elements, Methane, Digesters, Supplementation.