Changes in Gas Release Rates and Component Concentrations During Semibatch Anaerobic Storage of Swine Manure

An average total gas release rate of 475 mu moles/h-kg manure was measured during semibatch anaerobic storage of swine manure. Seeding with municipal sewage sludge increased the rate by 56 percent while adding calcium hydroxide decreased the release rate 20 percent. The average non-base soluble gas release rate was 207 mu moles/h-kg manure, which was 56 percent less than the average total gas release rate. Other components monitored were: solids, ammonia and Kjeldahl nitrogen, methly and dimethyl amine and six volatile fatty acids (C sub(2) - C sub(5)).