Lahore, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University) has announced the completion of a significant research project funded by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). The project, titled “Development and Evaluation of Lab Scale Integrated Biotech Refinery to Convert Poultry Wastes into Industrially Important, Safe and Useful Products,” was awarded a grant of 4.3 million PKR.
According to Forman Christian College, the research led by Dr. M. Zubair Yousaf, Associate Professor at the KAM-School of Life Sciences, focused on converting poultry waste into renewable green energy. The study utilized anaerobic digestion to process poultry manure, a major environmental pollutant, into biogas.
The findings highlighted the high biomethane potential of chicken manure, though several challenges such as the low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio and the presence of impurities like sand and heavy metals were identified. The research determined that manure from cage-type layer farms is the most suitable feedstock for biogas production. Furthermore, the addition of cow dung to poultry manure was found to enhance biogas output.
Dr. Yousaf’s team also examined the feasibility of automating the biogas production process. While automation is achievable, managing variable feedstock and impurities remains a challenge.
The project recommendations advocate for the adoption of biogas technology by the industry to convert harmful poultry waste into energy, thus addressing Pakistan’s energy shortage. It also calls for government and environmental agencies to legislate and promote biogas production technologies. Additionally, collaboration with the Pakistan Poultry Association and investment in automated biogas plants are suggested to boost both environmental and industrial profitability.