Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences Journal of Advances in Environmental Health Research 2676-3478 12 4 2024 11 12 Experimental Investigation of Biogas Yielding Rate from Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Multiple Organic Feedstocks Using a Bio-digester 228 239 209635 10.34172/jaehr.1354 EN Aniekan Essienubong Ikpe Department of Mechanical Engineering, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Nigeria, PMB 1200 0000-0001-9069-9676 Kufre Richard Ekanem Department of Science Technology, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Nigeria, PMB 1200 0000-0001-5416-7007 Michael Okon Bassey Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Nigeria, PMB 1200 0000-0001-5433-7889 Journal Article 2023 08 24 <strong>Background:</strong> The high cost of fossil fuels has driven the exploration of renewable energy alternatives. This study investigates the anaerobic co-digestion of waterleaf, cow dung, and food waste to optimize biogas production. <strong>Methods:</strong> Four co-digestion experiments were performed using a prototype plastic bio-digester over 50 days. The combinations tested were: waterleaf with cow dung, waterleaf with food waste, food waste with cow dung, and a mix of all three feedstocks. <strong>Results:</strong> Co-digestion of waterleaf and food waste yielded an average biogas output of 25%, with a pH of 7.2 and a carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio of 28. Combining waterleaf and cow dung produced a 31% yield, a pH of 7.2, and a C/N ratio of 29. The mixture of food waste and cow dung resulted in a 34% biogas yield, with a pH of 7.1 and a C/N ratio of 30. The highest yield, 46%, was achieved by co-digesting waterleaf, cow dung, and food waste, with a pH of 7 and a C/N ratio of 32. All feedstock combinations maintained neutral pH levels, benefiting from the unique properties of each component: waterleaf provided vitamins A and C, food waste supplied carbohydrates and proteins, and cow dung contributed anaerobic microbes essential for digestion. Additionally, temperature was a significant factor influencing biogas production. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Co-digesting waterleaf, cow dung, and food waste maximized biogas production, demonstrating the potential for enhanced renewable energy generation through optimized anaerobic digestion processes. https://jaehr.muk.ac.ir/article_209635_79cdcc95fb6b473219aac656e8a96061.pdf