INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF pH ON BIOGAS PRODUCTION FROM PALM OIL MILL EFFLUENT (POME)

ABSTRACT

Biogas production from organic waste has emerged as a promising renewable energy source, addressing both environmental pollution and energy shortages. Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME), a major byproduct of palm oil processing, contains high organic content suitable for anaerobic digestion, a biological process that converts organic matter into biogas. However, the efficiency of this process depends on several factors, with pH being one of the most critical, as it directly influences microbial activity and methane yield. This study investigated the impact of pH fluctuation on biogas production from POME, aiming to determine the optimal conditions for maximum methane generation. A batch anaerobic digestion system was employed with the key parameters such as pH, total dissolved solid (TDS), and biogas volume monitored over a 30-day retention period. The result showed that biogas production commenced at pH 5.73, peaked at pH 6.12, and declined significantly beyond pH 7.5. This suggests that methanogenic activity is most efficient within a slightly acidic to neutral pH range, as extreme pH levels can inhibit microbial metabolism and slow down methane production. Additionally, while rising TDS levels indicated ongoing organic breakdown, excessively high concentrations appeared to hinder microbial efficiency, leading to fluctuations in biogas yield.