OPTIMIZATION OF BIOGAS PRODUCTION FROM PALM OIL MILL EFFLUENT UNDER THE EFFECT OF SOLID RETENTION TIME, ORGANIC LOADING RATE, AND HYDRAULIC RETENTION TIME

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of organic loading rate(OLR), solid retention time (SRT) and hydraulic retention time (HRT) on the production of biogas from POME. POME that has been left untreated can cause serious damage to the environment around it. This study will explore the potential of biogas production of POME in anaerobic digestion. Anaerobic digestion of POME is where the bacteria will convert organic compounds into biogas without the presence of oxygen. At the same time, in anaerobic digestion will also remove compounds from the palm oil mill effluent, hence, treating the effluent. This study is conducted using an anaerobic bioreactor. This research is carried out at HRT of 4 to 10 days, SRT ranging at 10 to 22 days and OLR of 2-20 gVVS/Ld. Under all the following conditions, the anaerobic bioreactor operates for 30days. The volume of the biogas produced under all the input of conditions are 3.8L/d. The treatment of POME in anaerobic digestion has been proven to be successful process to treat POME, this is due to because it can significantly reduce damage to the environment and potentially becoming a source of renewable energy in the form of methane gas