Optimizing Biogas Production from Food Waste at GreenLife Organic Facility

Thesis Abstract

The escalating volume of food waste generated by urban communities poses significant challenges to sustainable waste management and renewable energy generation, necessitating innovative approaches for effective resource recovery. This study investigates the optimization of biogas production from food waste at GreenLife Organic Facility, aiming to enhance methane yield and process efficiency through systematic evaluation of operational parameters and waste preprocessing techniques. The specific objectives include identifying the influential factors affecting biogas output, developing an optimized operational framework, and assessing the environmental and economic viability of the process in the context of the facility’s existing infrastructure. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates quantitative experimental procedures with qualitative operational assessments. The population encompasses the organic waste streams at GreenLife Organic Facility, with a purposive sample of five distinct food waste categories, totaling an estimated 500 kg collected weekly over a six-month period. Data collection instruments include laboratory-scale batch digesters for controlled fermentation experiments, gas chromatography for biogas compositional analysis, and structured interview guides for operational staff insights. The experimental phase manipulates variables such as waste particle size, inoculum to substrate ratio, moisture content, and hydraulic retention time, with methane production measured via volumetric gas meters and analyzed using regression analysis to model the influence of each parameter. Complementary qualitative data are subjected to thematic analysis to identify operational bottlenecks and best practices. The validity and reliability of laboratory analyses are ensured through calibration with certified standards, while data triangulation enhances the robustness of findings. Analytical frameworks such as the Taguchi method facilitate experimental optimization, and the application of the Theory of Constraints informs process improvement strategies. Expected key findings include the identification of optimal conditions—such as specific particle sizes, inoculum ratios, and retention periods—that maximize methane yield, and the establishment of a predictive model correlating operational variables with biogas output. Anticipated results suggest that systematic waste preprocessing and process parameter adjustments can increase biogas yield by up to 40%, substantially improving energy recovery efficiency. Additionally, the study expects to demonstrate that operational modifications can reduce process instability and emissions, thereby enhancing environmental sustainability and economic profitability. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by providing empirically validated operational guidelines tailored for organic waste biogas systems, especially within community-scale facilities similar to GreenLife Organic. It advances understanding of process dynamics, integrating theories such as the Biochemical Energy Conversion Model and the Diffusion of Innovation Theory to explain technological adoption and parameter interactions in biogas systems. The main conclusion emphasizes that targeted optimization of operational parameters significantly enhances biogas production, with potential replicability in similar waste management settings. Recommendations include adopting recommended preprocessing techniques, investing in real-time monitoring tools, and extending the model for larger-scale implementation. Furthermore, the study advocates for policy incentives to promote renewable energy generation from food waste and suggests avenues for future research focusing on co-digestion strategies and lifecycle environmental assessments. This comprehensive approach aims to support sustainable waste-to-energy solutions, contributing both to environmental stewardship and energy security objectives at the community level.