Anaerobic co-digestion of cow manure and microalgae to increase biogas production: A sustainable bioenergy source

The biogas production from microalgae has gained attention due to fast depleting of fossil fuels and oil reserves. This study evaluated the anaerobic co-digestion of microalgae in various concentrations with cow manure to enhance biogas production. The biogas production of each experiment was measured using the water displacement method. The results indicated that the addition of microalgae significantly enhanced biogas production. Particularly, high methane yield of Anabaena sp. 50 %, Chlorella sp. 50 %, control was 345 ± 2.88 mL CH4/g VS, 297.96 ± 0.49 mL CH4/g VS, 138.32 ± 0.50 CH4/g VS respectively. The slurry produced by 50 % Anabaena sp. biogas plant exhibited the greatest level of seed germination. The current study demonstrated that Sorgham bicolor had the highest seed germination rate (94.2 %) root and shoot length of all crops. Therefore, it is possible to employ Anabaena sp. (50 %) and Chlorella sp. (50 %) in the rapid production of biogas. Moreover, agricultural output would be increased by using biogas slurry.