Biogas production from anaerobic digestion of fruit and vegetable waste from Johannesburg market

Abstract: Biogas production from anaerobic digestion is a promising technology for sustainable energy development. Biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests are normally run to determine the possible methane that can be obtained from each biomass. The aim of this study is to determine the biochemical potential of fruits and vegetable wastes from the Johannesburg market. The biochemical methane potential tests were carried out using the bioprocess control Automatic Methane Potential Test System (AMPTS) II machine. The initial pH of the feedstock was low during the preparation of the feed since fruits and vegetable waste (FVW) are acidic and thus buffer solutions were used to increase the pH to 6.5-7.5. The BMP for the FVW was determined to be on average 300 ml CH4 /g VS added with methane content between 50-60 % volume