Feasibility of Domestic Biogas Production by Using Kitchen Waste as a Sustainable Waste Management Method and an Alternative for Energy Source in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Improper kitchen waste management is a huge problem in Sri Lanka because it causes a variety of environmental issues such as water, land and air pollution. Also, it negatively impacts human and environmental health. Besides, Sri Lanka has been facing a shortage of LPG since last year due to the massive economic crisis. The Sri Lankan government is unable to supply enough LPG, fuels and other basic necessities due to the shortage of foreign currency in the Sri Lankan treasury. People are suffering in terms of high prices of LPG and the shortage of LPG. Since the majority of people, especially those who live in metropolitan areas, use LPG as their main cooking fuel, hence, this is a big concern for them. As a solution for these two issues, domestic biogas production by using kitchen waste would be a better solution because biogas can be utilized as an alternative energy source for LPG and at the same time it is a good waste management strategy. The process of biogas has four main stages which are hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis, and methanogenesis. Different microorganisms are used in the biogas production, and temperature, pH, salinity and nutrients are the main factors which affect the biogas digestion process. Biogas technology is not commonly used in Sri Lanka as an alternative for energy due to less awareness, unavailability of required technology for generating electricity from biogas, technological issues, less interest, etc. Hence, the government should take the initiatives in order to promote this efficient technology by doing awareness programs, establishing domestic biogas monitoring centers, giving subsidies, etc.