Room: Poster Area
Date: Thursday, 21 May 2026
Time: 09:00 - 10:00 CEST
Session code 4CV.1
Biogas and biomethane production
An Assessment of Biogas Production from Food Waste Obtained from School Nutrition Program.
Short Introductive summary
South Africa’s reliance on fossil fuels highlights an urgent need for sustainable alternatives. Bongumusa Secondary School in Mpumalanga currently consumes 500kg of firewood weekly for its nutrition program, contributing to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. This study explores a low-cost solution: the design and construction of two 0.21m³ polyethylene biogas digesters using school food waste as feedstock. To test performance, one digester was installed above ground while the other was buried. The underground digester outperformed the surface model by maintaining stable temperatures and minimizing fluctuations. It achieved a peak yield of 6.6 m³ of biogas (comprising 60% CH4 and 40% CO?) between days 15 and 16, maintaining an optimal pH of 6.9 and an average temperature of 35°C
Presenter
Patrick MUKUMBA
University of Fort Hare, Computational Sciences (Physics), SOUTH AFRICA
Presenter's biography
Prof. Patrick Mukumba holds a PhD degree in Physics (Renewable Energy) from Fort Hare University, South Africa, and an MSc degree in Renewable Energy Engineering from the University of Zimbabwe. With over twenty years of teaching and research experience, he is currently an Associate Professor at the University of Fort Hare, South Africa. He is a distinguished expert in various renewable energy technologies, including Biomass and Biogas, Wind Energy, Solar PV, and Hydropower systems. He holds the prestigious NRF C3 rating, recognizing his outstanding contributions to research. As a dedicated member of professional associations, Prof P. Mukumba is actively involved with the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP), the South African Biogas Industry and Association (SABIA), and the World Biogas Association (WBA). His significant contributions to the field of Renewable Energy are evident in his publications, which include four chapters on biogas technology and more than seventy articles in DHET credited journals focused on Renewable Energy technologies. Additionally, he has presented his research at thirty conferences, both internationally and nationally. Prof. P. Mukumba's practical expertise extends to the construction of various biogas digesters, including Underground, Portable, and Balloon biogas digesters, within South Africa. Currently, he is engaged in the Wind-solar mini-grid projects for power generation in South Africa, showcasing his commitment to sustainable energy solutions. In the realm of academia, Prof. P. Mukumba actively contributes to the advancement of knowledge by hosting five Postdoctoral Research Fellows and supervising six MSc and six PhD students with a focus on Renewable Energy. He is affiliated with two Research Niche Areas (RNA): the Renewable Energy (Wind & Biogas) RNA and the Infectious Diseases and Medicinal Plants RNA. Furthermore, his dedication to renewable energy research, academic mentorship, and international collaboration makes him a prominent figure in the field of Renewable Energy and Physics. His expertise and commitment continue to drive advancements in sustainable energy solutions and knowledge dissemination.
Biographies and Short introductive summaries are supplied directly by presenters and are published here unedited
Co-authors:
P. Mukumba, University of Fort Hare, Alice, SOUTH AFRICA
Session reference: 4CV.1.23