The investigation of the utilization of manure obtained from red California worm in biogas production

In this study, the biogas production potential of vermicompost (SG) from California red worm was compared with chicken manure (TG). Biogas production studies were carried out in 1 L glass reactors with a working volume of 500 mL, in an oxygen free environment (anaerobic), at constant mixing rate (300 rpm), constant temperature (35oC) and in a batch system. The experiments were carried out in three stages. In the first stage, the biogas production potential of vermicompost (SG) were investigated. In the second stage, chicken manure (TG) and in the last stage SG+TG mixture (1:1 by weight) were investigated. The biogas production potential of each system was determined by volumetric water displacement test. The quality of the produced biogas was determined using a gas detector. During the experiment, pH and temperature changes were monitored. As a result of the studies, the biogas production amounts per unit dry mass of the manures were found as TG (114,87 mL/g KM) > SG+TG (44,2 mL/g KM) > SG (4,15 mL/g KM) from the highest amount to the least amount. The results obtained were mathematically modeled by applying the modified Logistic and Gompertz models, and while Logistic model was found to fit the most appropriate model for SG and TG, Gompertz model was the most appropriate one for SG+TG mixture. As a result, it has been determined that vermicompost has a small biogas production potential. This study will contribute to future research to be done with SG.