Biogas Technology: Towards sustainable development

The global demand for energy is met mainly by fossil fuels. Their excessive and indiscriminate use, coupled with increasing demand for energy, will soon deplete their existing reserves. Therefore, it is extremely important to find alternative, environment-friendly, and ecologically sound sources of energy for meeting the present and future energy requirements. Biogas Technology: towards sustainable development makes an attempt to explore the potential of utilizing biodegradable biomass as fuel and manure.

Key Features:

• Discusses the biomethanation process in detail.
• Highlights the utility of biogas as a renewable source of energy.
• Explains the evolution, scope, and potential of biogas technology.
• Depicts popular biogas plant models.
• Provides useful information on carbon credit and highlights the environmental implications of the biomethanation process.
• Presents a knowledge base to biologists, academicians, farmers, and agricultural scientists, who will gain in terms of understanding the basic concepts and applications of the biomethanation technology.
• Provides information on installing biogas plants for meeting energy and manure demands.

Contents:   
Preface / Acronyms
1. BIOGAS TECHNOLOGY
Introduction / Biogas: A Renewable Energy Source / Scope of Biomethanation / Historical Development of Biomethanation / History of Biomethanation in India / Diffusion of Biogas Plants in India / Factors Hindering the Distribution of Biogas Plants / Conclusion

2. ANAEROBIC DIGESTION
Introduction / Process of Anaerobic Decomposition / Microbiology of Anaerobic Decomposition / Parameters Affecting Biomethanation / Anaerobic Versus Aerobic Decomposition  / Feedstock / Application of Anaerobic Technology / Conclusion

3. BIOGAS PLANT MODELS
Introduction / Popular Biogas Models in India / Floating Gasholder Type Plants / Fixed Dome Type Plants / Other Biogas Models in India / Community Biogas Plants / Other Anaerobic Digestion Systems / Solid State Fermenters / Conclusion

4. BIOGAS AS ENERGY SOURCE
Introduction / Composition of Biogas / Biogas Storage and Distribution / Biogas Utilization / Biogas Appliances / Comparison with Other Fuels / Enrichment of Methane in Biogas / Conclusion

5. BIOGAS SPENT SLURRY AS MANURE
Introduction / Changing Scenario of Nutrient Consumption / Scope of Biogas as Manure Source / Drying and Handling of Slurry / Agricultural Applications / Comparison with Other Fertilizers / Sustainability of Fertilizer Usage / Conclusion

6. BIOGAS AND ENVIRONMENT
Introduction / Air Pollution / Fire and Explosion / Soil and Water Pollution / Source of Pathogens
Solving Environmental Problems / Controlling Pathogens / Conclusion

7. BIOGAS AND GLOBAL WARMING
Introduction / Greenhouse Gases / Biogas Plant as Source of Greenhouse Gases / Effects of Global Warming / Sinks for Atmospheric Methane / Methane Emission Mitigation Strategies / Biogas and Clean Development Mechanism / Conclusion

8. BIOGAS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Introduction / Energy Consumption Pattern in Rural India / Biogas as a Source of Rural Energy / Biogas and Sustainable Development  / Biogas and Women / Integrated Farming System / Cost benefit Analysis / Conclusion

Glossary
References
Bibliography
Subject Index
Author Index
About the Authors