Examination of biofuel characteristics and combusyion emissions of poultry litter

Keywords: Poultry litter; Characterization; Combustion; Exhausted gas emissions Broiler chicken production activities generate different kind of highly perishable organic wastes and by‐products. Depending on the seasonal and spatial variation as well as type of bedding material used together with farm management practices, poultry litters are mainly composed of excrement, rice hulls, sawdust, feathers and feed refuse which presenting both high energy efficiency and environmental impact. Direct combustion through mono incineration or co-combustion with suitable biofuel sources can be ready to use solution to safe waste disposal option for poultry litter. High heating values measured for poultry litter obtained from poultry houses were in the range of 13.49–14.62 KJ/kg-1 and low heating values were 12.90–13.60 KJ/kg-1, respectively. The reduction in energy potentials were mainly associated with increased moisture and ash content of the poultry litter samples. The ultimate analysis results were as follows; C (28.01±0.48%), O (33.23±0.48%), H (3.56±0.48%), N (3.90±0.48%), and S (0.92±0.48%). Nitrogen concentrations in poultry litter had significantly increased the NOx (155 ppm) emissions but confirming related standards. SO2 (8 ppm) emissions obtained were also consistent with litter S content, but the emission concentrations were very small. Despite the high exhausted gas and ash emissions, the energy recovery practices such as direct combustion give opportunity for ready to use and environmentally safe management option for poultry litter, otherwise may pose significant health effects and pollutant risks to the environment.