1.1 Introduction
Biogas is the mixture of gases produced by the breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen (anaerobically), primarily consisting of methane and carbon dioxide. Biogas can be produced from raw materials such as agricultural waste, manure, municipal waste, plant material, sewage, green waste or food waste. Biogas is a renewable energy source (Wikipedia, 2021). Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), is a member of poaceae family. Lemongrass is a tropical perennial plant which yields aromatic oil. The name lemongrass is derived from the typical lemon-like odour of the essential oil present in the shoot. The herb originated in Asia and Australia (Joy, 2006).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitation of the study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratus is one of the important leaves among the species of grasses, and has various applications in traditional medicine. The grass is used in food or as culinary used i.e. it is eatable and also it can be used as cosmetic cream and even as herb. The linear leaves can grow up to 90 cm in height and 5m in width (Ernst et al., 2008). Plants are very important sources of drugs used for centuries in the treatment of various microbial infections. Most of the plant-based drugs when used correctly, pose less or no toxic effect to the recipients compared to the chemically synthetic drugs. This necessitates the use of natural plants in the complementary medicine in order to showcase the long term adverse effects of some synthetic drugs.
It is a medicinal plant with compounds capable of controlling pathogens and increasing herbal resistance to pathogenic diseases. This aromatic plant is used in perfume production and is grown to produce essential oils for business purposes. Due to its good aroma, it is used for preparation of the colognes, deodorants and soaps in different pharmaceutical industry. Its major components are citral monoterpenes (an isomeric mixture of the geranial and neral) and myrcene both of which have anti-bacterial and medicinal importance (Car, 2011).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to determine the Production of Biogas from Cow Dung amended with Lemon.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Lemongrass extract usage in folk medicine for the treatment of certain ailment was disputed, but recent findings have confirmed its efficacy (Adejuwon and Esther, 2007; Celso et al., 2011a). Despite this, lemongrass tea and its essential oils is becoming unpopular especially among developing nations. This might be due to lack of awareness of published results on the efficacy of the extracts on several health related issues. Hence, the focus of this review is to concisely document all reported biological properties of lemongrass extracts (infusion and decoction) and essential oils. Similarly, suggestions regarding future directions in this area of study were thoroughly prepared to ease the path towards elucidation of inherent medicinal properties of lemongrass.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to determine the Production of Biogas from Cow Dung amended with Lemon. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To identify the Biogas production process of Cow dung amended with Lemon grass
- To determine the pH of the co-digestion of Cow dung and Lemon Grass at various times intervals
- To create a sustainable solid waste management system that supports greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction by the co-digestion of cow dung and Lemon grass for biogas generation.
1.5 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.6 Scope of Study
The scope of this research is focused on the Production of Biogas from Cow Dung amended with Lemon in Nigeria.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.8 Definition of Technical Terms
Heavy:
It refers to having great weight; also characterized by mass or weight.
Adverse Effect:
An adverse effect is an undesired harmful effect resulting from a medication or other intervention.
