Bioenergy production from chicken manure: a review

Abstract

Adopting waste-to-wealth strategies and circular economy models can help reduce biowaste and add value. For instance, poultry farming is an essential source of protein, and chicken manure can be converted into renewable energy through anaerobic digestion. However, there are a number of restrictions that prevent the utilization of chicken manure in bioenergy production. Here, we review the conversion of chicken manure into biomethane by anaerobic digestion with focus on limiting factors, strategies to enhance digestion, and valorization. Limiting factors include antibiotics, ammonia, fatty acids, trace elements, and organic compounds. Digestion can be enhanced by co-digestion with sludge, lignocellulosic materials, food waste, and green waste; by addition of additives such as chars, hydrochars, and conductive nanoparticles; and by improving the bacterial community. Chicken manure can be valorized by composting, pyrolysis, and gasification. We found that the growth of anaerobic organisms is inhibited by low carbon-to-nitrogen ratios. The total biogas yield decreased from 450.4 to 211.0 mL/g volatile solids in the presence of Staphylococcus aureus and chlortetracycline in chicken manure. A chlortetracycline concentration of 60 mg/kg or less is optimal for biomethanization, whereas higher concentrations can inhibit biomethane production. The biomethane productivity is reduced by 56% at oxytetracycline concentrations of 10 mg/L in the manure. Tylosin concentration exceeding 167 mg/L in the manure highly deteriorated the biomethane productivity due to an accumulation of acetate and propionate in the fermentation medium. Anaerobic co-digestion of 10% of primary sludge to 90% of chicken manure increased the biogas yield up to 8570 mL/g volatile solids. Moreover, chemicals such as biochar, hydrochar, and conducting materials can boost anaerobic digestion by promoting direct interspecies electron transfer. For instance, the biomethane yield from the anaerobic digestion of chicken manure was improved by a value of 38% by supplementation of biochar.

Biosolids-Derived Biochar Improves Biomethane Production in the Anaerobic Digestion of Chicken Manure

“…However, a pre-treatment stage is required prior to soil application due to the negative impacts on the environment (greenhouse gas emissions, eutrophication, and odour arising from the decomposition of CM) associated with the direct application of CM to the soil [3]. Alternatively, due to its high total solids content and high biodegradability, CM can be used as a feedstock in anaerobic digestion (AD) to produce biogas [2][3][4]. However, among all livestock manures, the AD of CM is considered to be the most challenging as it has the highest nitrogen (N) content [5].…”

A Review on the Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Livestock Manures in the Context of Sustainable Waste Management

“…Consequently, chicken manure emerges as a suitable substrate for bioenergy production, given its high total solids content and increased biodegradability. However, challenges may arise due to the higher NH 3 concentration and low C/N ratio in chicken manure, stemming from its elevated protein and fat content [32]. Effectively managing livestock manure necessitates the consideration of its physiochemical characteristics.…”

Revealing the Adverse Impact of Additive Carbon Material on Microorganisms and Its Implications for Biogas Yields: A Critical Review

“…The reasons behind the lower methane yields during anaerobic digestion with biochar addition are described as the limitation of nutrients available for bacteria present during the anaerobic digestion process [8,259]. The absence of both macronutrients and micronutrients alters microorganism functioning on a basic level.…”