STUDIES ON THE BIOMTHENOGENIC POTENTIAL OF SOME ORNAMENTAL PLANTS

Abstract

Overdependence on fossil fuels leads to severe energy crisis. To overcome this energy crisis we have to give extra emphasis on indigenous and renewable energy sources. The present paper includes the study of energy production mainly biogas from commonly occurring ornamental plants. Experiments were carried out in 1-L digester flasks in the batch process up to seven weeks; there was a marked increase in biogas production after pretreatment of plants. Measurement of biogas was done by water displacement method and analysis of biogas by GLC. Peltophorum pterocarpum, Lantana camera and Bonginvillea spectabilis showed 14.60, 13.40 and 12.20L/100gm biogas production respectively, while control shows 10.60 L /100gm biogas. The use of these plants can be made to supplement the conventional substrate like dung in urban and rural areas to augment the biogas production.