A study on biogas generation from Mahua (Madhuca indica) and Hingan (Balanites aegyaptiaca) oil seedcake.

Abstract: In 2005 the government of India declared its policy for development of biofuels. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Sources of India has identified around 400 oil seed species available in the forests of India, which can be used for various applications including that as biofuels. Due to lack of detailed studies and non-availability of mechanism for the collections of these oilseeds, this source has remained largely untapped. The National Oilseed and Vegetable Oil Development Board (NOVOD) is working on strategies to promote studies and for establishing mechanisms for collection. These biofuels can be effectively used to meet some or all of the energy needs of remote un-electrified villages. This can be achieved by generating electricity at village level, in a decentralized manner by using small capacity generator sets running on biodiesel derived from locally available oils. In this case it will be essential to find techniques for utilization of non-edible de-oiled seedcake obtained as the byproduct of this process. Using the seedcake for biogas generation by anaerobic digestion process is a promising option. Mahua (Madhuca indica) is a specie naturally available with high tree density in most parts of India. In addition one less familiar oil seed specie available in central India is Hingan (Balanites aegyaptiaca). The paper investigates the suitability of de-oiled cakes of these two oilseeds for biogas generation. This investigation reveals that both the seedcakes have a mean biogas generation potential in the range of 198 to 233l/kg of seedcake. The biogas generated from these sources could make a significant contribution to cooking energy demand in rural areas. The paper also highlights the fact that the sludge and the slurry coming out of the reactor as waste have very high manurial value by virtue of its high nitrogen content and a good amount of other secondary and tertiary nutrients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]