Biogas Production from Different Biomass Wastes with/without Leachate Recirculation

This study attempts to determine the effect of leachate recirculation on biogas production. The study was carried out by using the co-disposal of three major wastes: municipal solid waste (MSW), sewage sludge and cow dung. Experiments are carried out in two stainless steel columns with daily feeding. The first reactor (R1: without leachate recirculation) and second reactor (R2: with leachate recirculation) both reactors compacted with 10% of cow dung + 70% of MSW and 20% sewage sludge by weight. Cow dung was added to facilitate the enzymatic hydrolysis or extracellular depolymerisation of polymers such as carbohydrate, fat and protein. The impact of leachate recirculation was investigated. Chemical parameters as pH, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), ammoniacal-N, total-P) and gas production (total volume, CH4 and CO2) were monitored for 12 weeks. The research demonstrated a dependency between recirculation of leachate and the volume and composition of biogas.