Chapters authored
Role of Microbial and Organic Amendments for the Enrichment of Methane Production in Bioreactor
Studies were carried out on lab-scale levels for biogas production using two different wastewaters, that is, herbal pharmaceutical wastewater and food processing wastewater. A total of eight methane bacteria were isolated from cattle dung and mass culturing was carried out to study their feasibility in biogas escalation. Optimization of methane bacteria that could increase biogas production was identified. Among the methane bacteria, two species Bacillus sk1 and Bacillus sk2 were found to enhance the biogas production to a maximum level. Gas analysis showed CH4 content of 63% in the case of food processing wastewater and around 67% with herbal pharmaceutical wastewater. Bacillus sk1 was found to be more suitable for both wastewater and biogas production and was found to be 46.4% in food processing wastewater and 43.3% in herbal pharmaceutical wastewater. Amendment of Bacillus sk2 in food processing wastewater produces 39.7% and 30.3% of biogas in herbal pharmaceutical wastewater was observed. Enzyme Bacillidine™ (P-COG-concentrate aqueous base) was also tried but results were not very encouraging. Comparative studies on both the wastewater have been discussed in detail in this article.
Part of the book: Biogas
Vermiconversion of Textile Industrial Sludge: Waste Management and Nutrients Recycling
The present study aimed for the conversion of textile industrial sludge (TIS) amended with the cow dung into vermicompost operated by the epigenic earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae. To accomplish the intent of the experiment, the substrate was allowed to decompose for 30 days, under monitored environmental conditions. Three different combinations were prepared (V25%, V50%, and V75%) from TIS, and compared with Vagro (vermicompost prepared from agricultural waste) and Vsoil. Among the entire three treatments, V75% was shown by physicochemical parameters for Trigonella foenum (Fenugreek/Methi) plant growth, seed germination, and leave production in the tested pot. The maximum amount of available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (NPK) was recorded at V75%. On the other side, toxic metal (Cr, Mn, Cu, Pb Cd, and Zn) concentrations were diluted to minimum levels. The result advised that vermicomposting consider one of the alternative methods for waste management and energy recovery from industrial waste.
Part of the book: Agricultural Waste