Experimental characterization and assessment of bio- and thermo-chemical energy potential of dromedary manure. (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shanableh, Abdallah; Abdallah, Mohamed; Tayara, Adel; Ghenai, Chaouki; Kamil, Mohammed; Inayat, Abrar; Shabib, Ahmad
• Is Part Of: Biomass and bioenergy. Volume 148(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: Anaerobic digestion -- Incineration -- Energy recovery -- Financial feasibility -- Greenhouse gas emissions; Biomass energy -- Periodicals; Biomass -- Periodicals; Energy-Generating Resources -- Periodicals; Bioénergie -- Périodiques; 333.9539
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2021.106058
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-9534

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the bio- and thermo-chemical characteristics of dromedary (Camelus dromedaruis) manure to be used for renewable energy generation and greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation. Lactating and pregnant dromedary manure samples were collected from a dromedary milk production farm and were tested. A comprehensive experimental analysis was conducted for the sampled manure to determine key parameters, including organic and nutrients content, ions, heavy metals, in addition to X-ray diffraction and fluorescence characterization. The bio-methane potential was measured in batch anaerobic digestion (AD) assays, while the energy content was determined through a bomb calorimeter. The experimental results showed that the bio-methane production ranged between 129 and 160 mL of CH4 per gram of volatile solids (VS) of dromedary manure. On the other hand, the measured calorific values of dromedary manure ranged between 12.18 and 13.60 MJ kg −1 . A feasibility study was carried out for bio- and thermo-chemical waste-to-energy systems for dromedary manure management. The assessment showed that an AD-based manure management system could potentially mitigate GHG emissions; with a unit emission of 0.52 kg kWh −1 of CO2 eq compared to 0.61–0.91 kg kWh −1 of CO2 eq from conventional fossil fuel combustion. Results showed that, compared to AD, incineration would be more viable for dromedary manure management, in terms of economic revenue and energy recovery. Highlights: Bio and thermo-chemical systems were assessed for dromedary manure treatment. The systems were evaluated based on energy recovery, GHG emissions, and economics. Biochemical treatment of dromedary manure showed higher mitigation to emitted GHGs. Thermochemical conversion showed better energy recovery and financial feasibility. GHGs Mitigation potential could be enhanced when considering landfilling emissions.