Analysis of Environmentally Friendly Biogas from Cassava Peel Waste with Cow Dung Bio-Starter and Cassava Fermentatition Water Additive

Abstract

The development of renewable energy based on local agro-industry, especially through biogas from cassava peel waste, utilizes the great potential of industrial waste processing in South Sumatra which has not been optimized so far. South Sumatra is one of the centers of the cassava industry that produces large amounts of cassava peel waste, around 10-15% of the total weight of cassava processed. The high carbohydrate and fiber content in cassava peel makes it a source of organic material that supports conversion into biogas with methane content (CH₄) by 50–70%. The problem faced is how to optimize this waste as a biogas material, so as to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reduce the burden of industrial waste. Therefore, the development of a method for processing cassava skin waste into biogas is carried out by utilizing cow dung as a bio-starter rich in microorganisms and cassava flour fermentation water as an additive to accelerate the anaerobic
fermentation process, which can ultimately produce environmentally friendly energy. An experimental
approach was applied in this study, including preparation of materials and arrangement of the mixture composition in several concentration variations. Fermentation was carried out in an anaerobic reactor with monitoring of the volume and composition of the gases produced, such as methane (CH₄), carbon dioxide (CO₂), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), and nitrogen (N₂). Data analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficiency and quality of the biogas produced. Bio-starter from cow dung plays a role in breaking down organic matter into methane gas and CO₂with the help of microorganisms, while fermented cassava flour water as a natural additive can increase gas production by 10–20%. The anaerobic fermentation process and the role of microorganisms in methane production are the main theoretical basis supporting this research. Initial results
show that the combination of cassava peel waste, cow dung, and cassava flour fermentation water is able to produce biogas with high methane content and H₂S controlled, so that the gas quality remains safe. It is estimated that 1 kg of cassava peel can produce around 0.3–0.4 m³ of methane gas, which is enough to meet energy needs at the domestic and small industry levels. This finding indicates that the development of renewable energy from local agro-industrial waste has good prospects, especially with efforts to improve the quality and energy content of biogas. This technology is expected to provide significant benefits to society, the environment, and the green energy sector in the future, in addition to contributing to reducing CO2 emissions up to 40% if applied as a substitute for LPG.