Abstract

This study not only reported possible solution to the uncertainty of the conventional energy sources supply but also way out on the potential threats that the wastes arising from the abattoirs may cause on the environment. Abattoir wastes in the form of rumen content of cow, sheep and goat were converted into biogas via anaerobic fermentation at mesophilic temperatures (30-35˚C). Slurries were prepared by adding 800ml of water to 200g of each rumen content giving sample to water ratio of equivalents to 0.25gcm-1 slurry concentration. Each slurry was digested in a corresponding digester under anaerobic condition (absence of oxygen) to generate biogas within the retention period of seven weeks. The total volume of biogas produced over 49 days was 7.95L, 3.17L and 1.41L for rumen content of cow, sheep and goat respectively. This indicated that the rumen content of cow produced highest volume of biogas than rumen content of sheep and goat respectively.

Key words: Abattoir. Wastes, biogas, anaerobic, rumen