Because New Zealand is a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol Framework Convention on Climate Change (1997), it is required to report national greenhouse gas emissions and maintain them at 1990 levels by 2008-2012. New Zealand has one of the highest per capita levels of the greenhouse gas methane [Woodward et al., 2001] and most of this arises from gut fermentation from ruminants. Not only does this...

AIM To evaluate the methane generation potential and digestibility of different (normal and three high-quality protein maize [HQPM]) varieties of maize fodder with goat rumen liquor in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS Methane production potential and digestibility of different varieties of maize fodder were tested in in vitro gas production test. Seven varieties of maize, four normal (HTHM 5101, ...

The effects of probiotics, yucca extract, monensin and L-cysteine on rumen methanogenesis were determined by in vitro incubation using mixed bovine rumen microorganisms with ground Bermuda grass hay as a substrate. Two forms of probiotics, yucca extract, monensin and L-cysteine were tested during 24 hour anaerobic incubations. Methane and carbon dioxide production and fermentation characteristi...

The effects of ultrasonic and thermo-chemical pre-treatments on the methane production potential of anaerobic co-digestion with synthetic kitchen waste (KW) or fat, oil and grease (FOG) were investigated. Non-linear regressions were fitted to accurately assess and compare the methane production from co-digestion under the various pre-treatment conditions and to achieve representative simulation...

Methane (CH4), a highly potent greenhouse gas, has repeatedly been identified as a significant contributor to global warming. In this connection, ruminants, animals that produce large quantities of methane, have been singled out as an area for reduction with regard to their emissions to the atmosphere. In an analysis of recently published data, we identify the underlying mechanisms of methane p...

Mixed cultures of anaerobic bacteria fermented both coniferous and deciduous wood sawdust, with concomitant methane production. A consistently greater lag in methanogenesis was observed on coniferous as compared to deciduous wood. Arabinose, glucose, galactose, mannose, rhamnose and xylose when added to enrichment cultures had either no effect or a slight stimulation of CH4 production in the ab...

The biomass production potential at temperate latitudes (56°N), and the quality of the biomass for energy production (anaerobic digestion to methane and direct combustion) were investigated for the green macroalgae, Ulva lactuca. The algae were cultivated in a land based facility demonstrating a production potential of 45T (TS) ha(-1) y(-1). Biogas production from fresh and macerated U. lactuca...

Coal mining is responsible for 11% of total anthropogenic methane emission thereby contributing considerably to climate change. Attempts to harvest coalbed methane for energy production are challenged by relatively low methane concentrations. In this study, we investigated whether nutrient and acetate amendment of a non-producing sub-bituminous coal well could transform the system to a methane ...

Ruminant animals play an important role in the food chain for evaluate cellulose and non-protein nitrogenous (NPN) compounds absorbed partially or not by other farm animals and humans. However, ruminant animals also bring some disadvantages. Methane, produced as a natural consequence of the ruminal digestion and it is a potential green house gas, is a problem, both ecologically and economically...

Sewage sludge is an important resource for the generation of electricity and heat within a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Taking a holistic approach to such use involves considering the greenhouse gas emissions. In particular, for anaerobic sludge treatment, methane emissions are a matter of concern. Therefore, the utilization of a carbon balance, based on the chemical oxygen demand (COD), ...