Influence of Microwave Pretreatment on Biogas Production from Co-‎Digestion of Corn Cobs and ‎ Cow Manure

This study aimed to produce biogas after microwave pretreatment of corn cobs and cow manure in a co-digestion system. The batch digester was manufactured from 10 PVC cans having a volume of 1050ml per each. Microwave pretreatment at the power of 294, 511 and 700 W and exposure time of 5, 10 and 15 minutes were applied to samples of corn cobs and cow manure “each sample has a mass of about 736.1 g. Its effects on biogas production were identified. The microwave added energy (SE) from microwave pretreatment was determined at range from 1198,207 to 8,558.62 kJ. kg TS obtained about 10.82-46.8% increase in biogas production. The optimal microwave pretreatment obtained power of 511 W per 10 min exposure time. That adds a specific energy of 4165.195 kJ. kg TS produced daily biogas of 307.95 ml/day. Microwave pretreatment with the co-digestion of corn cobs and cow manure is a suitable technology for energy production.