FROM WASTE TO ENERGY: OLIVE POMACE BIOCHAR'S REVOLUTIONARY IMPACT ON BIOGAS PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY

Abstract

Biogas represents a promising renewable energy source that addresses dual environmental challenges: waste management and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Recent research has focused on biochar as an enhancer for anaerobic digestion to boost biogas yields from organic waste. Biochar, a porous carbon rich material created through the pyrolysis of organic materials in low-oxygen conditions, can enhance microbial environments and boost methane production in anaerobic digestion systems. This study investigates the effect of incorporating olive pomace derived biochar into mixtures of cow manure and wastewater during anaerobic digestion. This study investigated the effects of adding biochar made from olive peels to wastewater and cow dung combinations during anaerobic digestion. Over a 60-day period, the impact of biochar on methane yield and total biogas prof 0%, 3%, 6%, and 12%. According to the results, the addition of biochar considerably increased methane output and overall gas production when compared to the control. The best results were achieved when using biochar at a concentration of 6%, where the methane content reached 74.19% compared to 63.77% in the control sample. Furthermore, biochar use helped to enhance the duration of gas production and favorably influenced microbial communities, especially methanogenic communities. Carbon dioxide levels were reduced in all the treatments involving biochar application. The results illustrate how biochar can be an effective ingredient in promoting anaerobic digestion to achieve more efficient gas production and waste management.