Results of Pilot Study on Biogas Energy Production from Human Excreta: A renewable Energy Source. In Mekelle City Condominium Houses

This study investigates production of biogas energy from human excreta in a condominium house located in Mekelle City with 60 households inside. A 27m³ anaerobic  digester was constructed, to accommodate 21m³ of organic waste with a biogas storage capacity of 6m³. The experiment involved regular feeding of the digester with human excreta directly from the toilets of the condominium facilities. Results indicated a significant production of biogas, demonstrating the feasibility of utilizing human waste as a renewable energy source. The biogas produced in this pilot project is found to contain 67.9% methane, 18.15%CO₂, 1.5%O₂, 9702mg/L H₂S, and 12.45% traces which is in good agreement with the results found in the literature for general type of biogas. Interestingly, the color of the methane flame is found to be blue, an indication for quality. This research highlights the potential for implementing biogas systems in urban settings to promote sustainable waste management and renewable energy generation, paving the way for future studies and broader applications in similar contexts. The toxic substances like detergents such as soap are found not affecting the biogas quality as the tests show no effect on methane composition and flame color, at least during the first stage of testing. The benefits of producing biogas of human excreta from the residents of condominium houses may include: protecting natural resources as the resulting product is used for cooking, etc, lower the greenhouse effect, eliminates pollution discharge from condominium septic tanks and better manure than the chemicals used for farming.