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1714261PublishedVol 9 · Issue 8

Optimization of Biogas Production from Co-Digestion of Pig Dung, Plantain Stem, and Potato Peel Using Response Surface Methodology

Nwachukwu Ugochukwu Alvan Ezeanya Nnaemeka C Okorafor Okore O. Chikwue Maxwell I Onyewudiala Julius I. Maduakolam Stanley C Ufomba Chukwudi John Asonye Gladys U.

Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology  ·  Area of research: Biomass

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I8-1714261

Abstract

Biogas production through anaerobic digestion of agricultural residues offers a sustainable pathway for renewable energy generation and waste management, particularly in developing regions. However, mono-digestion of individual substrates often results in process instability and low gas yields due to nutrient imbalance. This study investigates and optimizes biogas production from the co-digestion of pig dung, plantain stem, and potato peel using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). A Box–Behnken experimental design comprising 54 runs was employed to evaluate the effects and interactions of substrate proportions, carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio, pH, and hydraulic retention time (HRT) on biogas yield in a laboratory-scale batch digester. Statistical analysis indicated that a two-factor interaction (2FI) model adequately described the process, with a high coefficient of determination (R² = 0.996) and a non-significant lack of fit (p > 0.05). Among the studied factors, HRT and substrate interactions exerted the most significant influence on biogas production. Optimal operating conditions were achieved at a near-neutral pH, C/N ratio between 20 and 30, and extended retention time, resulting in a maximum biogas yield of 2.975 L under the experimental conditions. The results demonstrate that RSM is an effective tool for optimizing anaerobic co-digestion systems and highlight the synergistic potential of combining animal manure with lignocellulosic and carbohydrate-rich residues for enhanced biogas production.

How to cite this paper

Nwachukwu Ugochukwu Alvan, Ezeanya Nnaemeka C, Okorafor Okore O., Chikwue Maxwell I; Onyewudiala Julius I., Maduakolam Stanley C; Ufomba Chukwudi John; Asonye Gladys U. "Optimization of Biogas Production from Co-Digestion of Pig Dung, Plantain Stem, and Potato Peel Using Response Surface Methodology" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 8 2026 Page 683-693 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I8-1714261
Nwachukwu Ugochukwu Alvan, Ezeanya Nnaemeka C, Okorafor Okore O., Chikwue Maxwell I; Onyewudiala Julius I., Maduakolam Stanley C; Ufomba Chukwudi John; Asonye Gladys U. "Optimization of Biogas Production from Co-Digestion of Pig Dung, Plantain Stem, and Potato Peel Using Response Surface Methodology" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 8, Feb. 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I8-1714261
Nwachukwu Ugochukwu Alvan, Ezeanya Nnaemeka C, Okorafor Okore O., Chikwue Maxwell I; Onyewudiala Julius I., Maduakolam Stanley C; Ufomba Chukwudi John; Asonye Gladys U. (2026). Optimization of Biogas Production from Co-Digestion of Pig Dung, Plantain Stem, and Potato Peel Using Response Surface Methodology. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(8). doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I8-1714261
Nwachukwu Ugochukwu Alvan, Ezeanya Nnaemeka C, Okorafor Okore O., Chikwue Maxwell I; Onyewudiala Julius I., Maduakolam Stanley C; Ufomba Chukwudi John; Asonye Gladys U. "Optimization of Biogas Production from Co-Digestion of Pig Dung, Plantain Stem, and Potato Peel Using Response Surface Methodology" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 8, Feb. 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I8-1714261
@article{1714261,
      author = {Nwachukwu Ugochukwu Alvan, Ezeanya Nnaemeka C, Okorafor Okore O., Chikwue Maxwell I; Onyewudiala Julius I., Maduakolam Stanley C; Ufomba Chukwudi John; Asonye Gladys U.},
      title = {Optimization of Biogas Production from Co-Digestion of Pig Dung, Plantain Stem, and Potato Peel Using Response Surface Methodology},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {8},
      pages = {683-693},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1714261.pdf},
      abstract = {Biogas production through anaerobic digestion of agricultural residues offers a sustainable pathway for renewable energy generation and waste management, particularly in developing regions. However, mono-digestion of individual substrates often results in process instability and low gas yields due to nutrient imbalance. This study investigates and optimizes biogas production from the co-digestion of pig dung, plantain stem, and potato peel using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). A Box–Behnken experimental design comprising 54 runs was employed to evaluate the effects and interactions of substrate proportions, carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio, pH, and hydraulic retention time (HRT) on biogas yield in a laboratory-scale batch digester. Statistical analysis indicated that a two-factor interaction (2FI) model adequately described the process, with a high coefficient of determination (R² = 0.996) and a non-significant lack of fit (p > 0.05). Among the studied factors, HRT and substrate interactions exerted the most significant influence on biogas production. Optimal operating conditions were achieved at a near-neutral pH, C/N ratio between 20 and 30, and extended retention time, resulting in a maximum biogas yield of 2.975 L under the experimental conditions. The results demonstrate that RSM is an effective tool for optimizing anaerobic co-digestion systems and highlight the synergistic potential of combining animal manure with lignocellulosic and carbohydrate-rich residues for enhanced biogas production.},
      month = {February},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I8-1714261}
  }