Proportional Evaluation of Water Hyacinth as a Raw Material for Biogas, Biomanure and Soil Conditioner Generation via Anaerobic Processes at Lab and Pilot Scale

Abstract

Water hyacinth is capable of inexplicably conceal an entire water body within two weeks by forming thick mats due to its rapid proliferation intimidating the existence of aquatic organisms. Therefore, this study is aimed to investigate the conversion of WH to biogas, biomanure and soil conditioner (SC) through anaerobic digestion (AD) and composting process. While composting was studied at the lab and pilot scale using leaves and roots, the AD of WH at various food to inoculum (F/I) ratios of 1, 2, and 5 was carried out with leaves, roots, and a mixture of leaves and roots. The study found that leaves can efficiently produce biogas at a 2:1 F/I ratio with 350 mL/g VS reduced methane and 63% CH4. The qualitative evaluation of biomanure and SC from AD and composting processes revealed that the SC produced from leaves is suitable for agriculture farming (Fenugreek and Coriandrum Sativum) while that of roots for horticulture (Hibiscus and Papaya). About 1200 tons of WH was converted to 120 tons of soil conditioner to control the WH growth in Kapra Lake in Hyderabad city.