Home Biogas Production from Organic Waste: Challenges and Process Optimization of Methane Fermentation

Jadwiga Holewa-Rataj (), Mateusz Rataj, Piotr Kapusta, Joanna Brzeszcz, Marek Janiga and Anna Król ()
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Jadwiga Holewa-Rataj: Oil and Gas Institute—National Research Institute, ul. Lubicz 25a, 31-503 Kraków, Poland
Mateusz Rataj: Oil and Gas Institute—National Research Institute, ul. Lubicz 25a, 31-503 Kraków, Poland
Piotr Kapusta: Oil and Gas Institute—National Research Institute, ul. Lubicz 25a, 31-503 Kraków, Poland
Joanna Brzeszcz: Oil and Gas Institute—National Research Institute, ul. Lubicz 25a, 31-503 Kraków, Poland
Marek Janiga: Oil and Gas Institute—National Research Institute, ul. Lubicz 25a, 31-503 Kraków, Poland
Anna Król: Oil and Gas Institute—National Research Institute, ul. Lubicz 25a, 31-503 Kraków, Poland

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 7, 1-30

Abstract: This publication presents an analysis of the possibilities for home biogas production using an original method. The assumptions for a biogas-generating system and key principles for the methane fermentation process are outlined. Research on the methane fermentation of both kitchen waste and green waste was conducted using a methanogenic consortium. The studies allowed for the characterization of the microorganisms comprising the consortium, and tests confirmed the feasibility of conducting methane fermentation of both types of waste at both laboratory and technical scales, as well as estimating the biogas productivity of the substrates. Based on the research conducted at both scales, the range of conditions under which the biogas production process is possible was determined, with particular reference to temperature conditions and the pH of the leachate. The tests, primarily conducted at a technical scale, allowed for the definition and implementation of optimization measures that resulted in increased process efficiency at the technical scale. Among the main optimization measures were the use of sand as a phase to maintain an anaerobic zone at the start of the process, the use of wood ash to stabilize pH, and the use of substrates and water at room temperature.

Keywords: biogas production; methane fermentation; waste substrates; process optimization; household waste; household fermenters (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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