Optimization of Concentration and EM4 Augmentation for Improving Bio-Gas Productivity from Jatropha curcas Linn Capsule Husk

Abstract

Most literature suggests that two-phase digestion is more efficient than single-phase. The series of two-phase digestion studies have been conducted from 2011 to 2013 at the research farm of PT Bumimas Ekapersada, West Java, Indonesia. This paper reports on a research on optimation of concentration and augmentation of EM-4 (effective microorganism-4), a local commercial decomposer, as efforts to stabilize a biogas technology which made from husk capsules of Jatropha curcas Linn (DH-JcL). The studies of increasing organic loading rate (OLR) for the two-phase digestion was conducted to improve efficiency. The concentration variable studied was 1: 8 (1 part DH-JCL and 8 parts water), compared to 1: 12 as a control. The augmentation treatment is the addition of EM-4 by 5% (v/v). It was also examined the augmentation of F2-EM4 (150 times duplication of EM-4) due to cost consideration. The studies were conducted in the laboratory which using a liter and two liters of glass digester and glass wool as immobilized growth. The results of this study support the previous studies: the optimum concentration was 1: 8, EM-4 was able to increase biogas production in two-phase digestion, yet biogas production decrease at single-phase. F2-EM4’s ability to support production of biogas were equivalent to that of EM-4.

The Technical Design Concept of Hi-Tech Cook Stove for Urban Communities using Non-Wood Agricultural Waste as Fuel Sources

“…The application of biogas is feasible to manage kitchen waste and excreta disposal from septic tanks in urban areas for environment friendly [30][31][32][33]. The two-stage digester system is recommended because kitchen waste tends to be acidic and float [34,35]. Waste management is essential because it harms human health [36,37].…”

Characteristic Biofuel MicroalgaeChlorellasp. as Renewable Energy Source

“…The biodiesel from plant oils such as corn (Zea mays L.), soybeans (G. max), purging nut (Jatropha curcas L.) and palm oil (E guineensis) have disadvantages, like time of harvesting of plants which is 3 mo to 5 yr apart, to make the plants productive again to produce the oil. On the other hand, the oil substitution from corn oil, soybean, and palm oil will clash with the interests of human food consumption, and if the oil from plants is still produced to substitute petroleum (diesel), the price will not competitive [3][4][5].…”