Production of biogas from water hyacinth: effect of subtrate concentration, particle size and incubation period

Abstract

A study was conducted, at constant temperature, to determine the effect of substrate concentration, particle size and incubation time on biogas production from water hyacinth. Substrate concentration was varied between 5-30 g/l of water, particle size between <1 mm - 3 mm and incubation period between 1-6 days. The maximum methane prodction of 72.53% v/v at substrate concentration of 25 g/1 and particle size less than 1 mm for water hyacinth shoots was achieved after five days of incubation. However, for the whole water hyacinth plant, methane content was 65.67% v/v at the same conditions.