Evaluation of biodegradable waste quality by drying for exploring the possibilities of a potential renewable energy source in Yangon city, Myanmar

Abstract

Biodegradable waste to fuel becomes a potential renewable energy source to gain environmental and economic benefits in the world. To explore the opportunities of a potential renewable energy source from the biodegradable wastes in Yangon city, the study collected 12 different waste samples from the four districts of Yangon and evaluated the composition of the collected wastes. Then, the study assessed their moisture contents by Halogen Moisture Analyzer and dried 23 prepared waste samples (100 grams, 300 grams and 500 grams in mass) by Binder Laboratory Heating and Drying Oven at 105 degrees C. The study also analyzed the effect of moisture reduction in volume reduction, weight reduction and heating value increase of the biodegradable waste samples after drying. The results showed that about 50% of moisture reduction could contribute approximately 25% of volume reduction, 40% of weight reduction and 200% of heating value increase (initially approximately from 3 Mega joules per kilogram to 8 Mega joules per kilogram). Therefore, if drying could be conducted with a renewable source such as solar energy and a waste heat source from industrial sectors, the dried biodegradable wastes could be beneficial in the energy and environment sector of Yangon city. The objective of the study was to estimate the biodegradable waste quality of Yangon city by drying for a future potential renewable energy source.