Abstract

ACUNA MONSALVE, Yudtanduly; MECON RODRIGUEZ, Laura Sofía  and  MOLINA, Daniel. System for Quantifying Methane, Carbon Dioxide, and Hydrogen Sulfide Emissions in Low-Cost Digesters Inoculated with Horse Manure. Rev. ion [online]. 2024, vol.37, n.2, pp.37-47.  Epub Aug 08, 2024. ISSN 0120-100X.  https://doi.org/10.18273/revion.v37n2-2024003.

Methane CH4 and carbon dioxide CO2 are the primary gases produced during anaerobic digestion AD, followed by what is referred to as "other gases," a highly variable group depending on the type of organic matter being digested. However, one of the most notable and common gases is hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gas that, while not a greenhouse gas, is well-known for its corrosive effects and its impact on health and the environment [1].

To quantify gas emissions associated with the treatment of horse manure at the Cavalry Canton of the National Army of Colombia, a direct monitoring system was implemented. Over 45 days, measurements of CH4, CO2, and H2S were conducted using sensors such as the MQ-4, TGS 2611, SEN 0219, and MQ-136, respectively. The measurement ranges of the instruments used were: (200 -10,000 ppm, 500 - 12,500 ppm, 0 - 5,000 ppm, and 0 - 200 ppm), with detection levels of: (10 ppm, 0.1 - 0.65 ppm, 40 ppm, 30 ppm). These instruments were placed in three key scenarios: the manure storage site, the biodigester outlet, and under controlled laboratory conditions. The objective was to generate a detailed analysis of the behavior of these emissions.

As a result, theoretical estimates of CH4 and CO2 equivalents were calculated for the Cavalry Canton. These theoretical estimates were compared with the data obtained from the monitoring and showed reductions ranging from 8 to 87% for CH4, 58 to 67% for CO2, and 33 to 65% for H2S. These figures highlight the effectiveness of the implemented system in detecting gas emissions of interest from horse manure management, significantly contributing to environmental sustainability.

Keywords : Greenhouse gases; Temperature control; Organic waste; Horse manure; Monitoring.

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