BIOTECHNOLOGY - V. H. Gerasymenko - 2006

Part II. Specialized Biotechnologies

Chapter 22. BIOTECHNOLOGIES FOR THE UTILIZATION AND BIOCONVERSION OF AGRICULTURAL WASTE

22.3. NON-TRADITIONAL METHODS. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOGAS PRODUCTION VIA ANAEROBIC WASTE DIGESTION

One of the most promising Methods for managing agricultural and livestock waste is its bioconversion into biogas, a valuable energy carrier, through microbiological Fermentation.

Biomass (both plant- and animal-derived) is a renewable energy source. Biomass is organic matter formed during Photosynthesis, wherein plant Cells use chlorophyll to capture (fix) solar energy and convert it into the chemical bond energy of synthesized Organic compounds. The Earth's plant biomass possesses an energy potential that matches all known fossil fuel reserves.

Manure biomass also contains a substantial amount of energy. Scientific studies have shown that agricultural animals utilize the energy contained in the organic matter of plant feed with low efficiency. Specifically, complex multi-stage biochemical processes within the animal body convert plant feed energy into final products by an average of only 16.4%; 25.6% of the energy is expended on feed Digestion and assimilation, while 58% of the energy ends up in manure.

The high energy potential of manure makes it an attractive substrate for cultivating other organisms that can subsequently be used as animal feed, as well as for fuel production.

Anaerobic methane digestion is the most rational approach to utilizing waste energy. It is carried out in specialized biogas or bioenergy plants, where methanogenic microorganisms anaerobically bioconvert organic matter to yield biogas as an energy carrier, high-quality sanitized organic fertilizers, and even feed additives.

Given the gradual depletion of traditional energy resources (such as oil, gas, and coal), the growing shortage of fuel in rural areas, and the challenges of maintaining centralized natural gas supplies, this direction of bioconversion is of paramount importance.

Amidst the reforms in Ukraine's agricultural sector, this technology will initially help reduce electricity consumption on farms. In the long term, through the widespread adoption of biogas-fueled motor-generators, farms can achieve complete energy self-sufficiency.

Beyond solving energy and economic challenges, the biotechnology of anaerobic digestion addresses critical environmental and sanitary-hygienic issues. Processing manure through anaerobic fermentation destroys pathogenic microflora, helminth eggs and larvae, and weed seeds, while effectively deodorizing the manure.

Biotechnology for waste utilization and biogas production is widespread in both industrialized and developing nations. Today, over 60 countries rely on biogas plants to address energy and economic issues. In many states, livestock farms are built alongside methane fermentation systems, integrating biogas plants directly into the agricultural infrastructure.