Biogas production by anaerobic digestion of Eupatorium odoratum L.

Abstract

Eupatorium odoratum L. is a prolific producer of biomass among the weeds introduced into India and it can be used for energy production. Since freshly harvested biomass contains inhibitors of microorganisms involved in methanogenesis, the effects of leaching and partial aerobic decomposition of the weed before anaerobic digestion were studied (1·0 m³ pilot-scale batch fermenters) in relation to biogas production. About 70% more biogas was produced by the pretreated waste, and it also gave a higher count of cellulolytic and methanogenic bacteria than the untreated material.