Utilization of citrus, date, and jujube substrates for anaerobic digestion processes

Abstract

This research explores the potential for generating biogas and clean energy by processing organic waste, a process that can become a sustainable solution to Syria's energy needs. Focusing on agricultural residues generated from citrus fruit orange, date, and jujube cultivation in Syria, this study evaluates the potential for anaerobic digestion of these residues for biogas production. It highlights the influence of substrate composition and the optimization of fermentation processes on biogas and methane production. The study focuses on evaluating the anaerobic digestion process by examining various dosages ranging from 20% to 50% dry matter for citrus orange waste, and different types of substrate with a fixed ratio of 20% substrate dry matter. It specifically discusses the factors influencing the inhibitory effect of anaerobic digestion, giving particular consideration to orange waste, a significant byproduct of the citrus industry. The biogas produced maintained a stable methane content when a citrus-to-inoculum ratio of 30:70 was used. Jujube waste, characterized by a composition rich in cellulose and hemicellulose, exhibited a higher potential for biogas and methane generation among the fruit waste investigated, particularly when combined with the inoculum in a 20:80 ratio. The research findings underscore the potential of using Syrian agricultural residues, including orange citrus peel, date, and jujube fruit, for the production of biogas through anaerobic digestion.