Bangladeshi researchers make biogas from waste

Three Bangladeshi researchers from Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU) have come up with a method of producing biogas and fertiliser from tea, fish and cattle waste.

The waste will be collected from local markets and roadsides.

The three-member team, led by Muhammad Rashed Al Mamun, associate professor and head of the farm power and machinery department of the university, presented of this innovation recently.

The two other researchers, Shankharupa Dey and Jinat Jahan, are students of the department.

They said there is significant potential to produce biogas as well as fertiliser through proper management of tea, fish and cattle waste.

The researchers said huge amounts of waste from tea, fish and cattle are produced in Bangladesh and due to poor management this waste harms the environment.

“The waste produces huge amounts of methane which is more harmful than carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas,” said team leader Rashed.

It is possible to produce 65 per cent renewable energy using the waste, he said, adding that fertiliser and fish feed can also be produced from non-degradable waste after production of the fuel.

“This is also very profitable,” he said.

Rashed thinks wider waste management under government and private initiative can contribute significantly to the energy and power production in the country.
He said dependence on fossil fuel is one of the key reasons behind global greenhouse gas emissions. This not only contributes to global warming but also affects air quality and human health.

The role of renewable energy in mitigating climate change is proven worldwide, he added. Rashed said, various initiatives are being taken across the world to ensure the use of renewable energy. Biogas is widely used in different countries as a renewable energy source.