HARNESSING SEWAGE BIOGAS

In Nigeria, the use of wastes from organic matter, though important, has been relegated to the background. There are abundant agricultural residues and municipal solid wastes whose potentials are yet to be fully taped for energy generation. The possibility of using such wastes for biogas production should be explored. The raw materials used in commercial methane generation includes plant residues, animal waste, human feces and various urban wastes which include the following; generation of storable energy sources, production of a stabilized residue that can be used as a fertilizer, a process having the potential for sterilization which can reduce public health hazards from fecal pathogens and plant pathogens from one year’s crop to the next. A nation’s inability to dispose waste and to find enough energy greatly affects living conditions. The problem of fuel scarcity and sewage disposal in Nigeria and many developing countries is alarming. Energy generated from waste is therefore needful as it will serve the dual purpose of cleaning the environment and providing a cheaper source of energy.