Ngabala Flaviana John, Emmanuel Jovine Kamuhabwa
University of Dar Es Salaam, Mkwawa University College of Education, Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 2513, Iringa, Tanzania.
Heliyon. 2024 Nov 26;10(23):e40632. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e40632. eCollection 2024 Dec 15.
Energy is a crucial part of a comprehensive desire to reach any country's long-term economic and social development. Fossil fuels have for a long time been used as the major global cause of energy. However, dependence on fossil fuels contributes to environmental damage. Biogas generation from biodegradable organic materials is a potential and sustainable substitute for addressing global energy supply inadequacy and curbing the environmental challenges associated with fossil fuels. Biotechnologies particularly anaerobic digestion technology are important process for the recovery of energy from organic materials. Biogas comes from bio-decomposition of various organic substrates and trash. Human excreta, agricultural wastes, industrial food residues, municipal wastes, food wastes and residues, fishery wastes, aquatic plants and forest residues are among the common organic wastes from which biogas is produced today. Properly designed biogas systems play a crucial role in renewable energy production, providing electricity, heating, and lighting from organic waste materials that would otherwise go to landfill. These systems convert agricultural residues, food waste, livestock manure, and even energy crops into biogas, which can be used to power generators, provide heat for cooking, or supply light in homes. In urban and remote areas, biogas digesters offer clean, alternative energy solutions that not only meet local energy demands but also enhance living conditions by reducing the reliance on expensive or polluting energy sources. For instance, households can save on energy costs and improve air quality by using biogas for cooking instead of traditional fuels. Besides, the implementation of biogas technology can significantly mitigate environmental impact by lowering greenhouse gas emissions, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices and supporting circular economy. This review explores a diverse range of potential substrates for biogas production, highlighting their viability as alternatives to fossil fuel-based energy sources and emphasizing the multifaceted benefits they provide to communities.
能源是实现任何国家长期经济和社会发展的全面愿望的关键组成部分。长期以来，化石燃料一直是全球主要的能源来源。然而，对化石燃料的依赖会导致环境破坏。利用可生物降解的有机材料生产沼气是解决全球能源供应不足和应对与化石燃料相关的环境挑战的一种潜在且可持续的替代方案。生物技术，特别是厌氧消化技术，是从有机材料中回收能源的重要过程。沼气来自各种有机底物和垃圾的生物分解。人类排泄物、农业废弃物、工业食品残渣、城市垃圾、食物垃圾和残渣、渔业废弃物、水生植物和森林残渣是如今生产沼气的常见有机废弃物。设计合理的沼气系统在可再生能源生产中发挥着关键作用，可利用原本会被填埋的有机废料提供电力、供暖和照明。这些系统将农业残渣、食物垃圾、牲畜粪便甚至能源作物转化为沼气，沼气可用于驱动发电机、为烹饪提供热量或为家庭提供照明。在城市和偏远地区，沼气池提供了清洁的替代能源解决方案，不仅满足当地能源需求，还通过减少对昂贵或污染性能源的依赖来改善生活条件。例如，家庭使用沼气做饭而非传统燃料，既能节省能源成本，又能改善空气质量。此外，沼气技术的应用可通过降低温室气体排放、减少废弃物以及促进可持续农业实践和支持循环经济，显著减轻环境影响。本综述探讨了多种潜在的沼气生产底物，突出了它们作为化石燃料能源替代品的可行性，并强调了它们为社区带来的多方面益处。
