Experimental Study of Biogas Generation Potential from Human Faeces in Warri, Nigeria

Abstract

In the Warri, Niger Delta, human faeces are disposed of in open areas and rivers without treatment, and they contain a high concentration of nutrients, organic debris, and pathogens. In the absence of proper disposal measures, human faeces can cause environmental and health hazards (e.g., pathogen contamination, Odor). This study was carried out to examine the potential amount of biogas produced from the digestion of human faeces in Warri under anaerobic conditions using a locally manufactured digester. The biogas produced by the anaerobic digestion process was evaluated in the laboratory using a portable gas meter, and the data obtained from triple determination were statistically examined. The temperature and pressure changes as digestion progressed were documented. The outcomes of the compositional analysis were as follows: 66.93 % CH₄, 29.45 % CO₂, 0.5 % CO, 0.3 % H₂S, 2.69 % N2 and 0.1 % O₂. The analytical results show that human faeces is a viable feedstock for renewable energy production, with methane content indicating a considerable calorific value.