Environmental Sustainability Through Exploitation of Alternative Energy Sources (AES) in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

In order to drive sustainable human development for the optimization of productivity and economic growth as well as clean environment, the study on alternative energy sources (AES) suitable for exploitation was carried out in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The study area was the three Senatorial Districts of Akwa Ibom State. Ten houses from each of the Senatorial Districts were surveyed and the statistical properties of their septic tanks and numbers of occupants were collected. The septic tank properties were size (measured in metres) and the dislodged time (measured in years). Data show that an average septic tank size is 4 x 3 x 4 for length, width and depth respectively, with an estimated dislodged time of 10years for five adult occupants. By allowing for baffle wall, the volume of the septic tank was determined, the mass of biogas generated was computed to be 30.42kg. The bioenergy that could be generated from biogas of mass 30.43kg was estimated at 144.86kwh per dislodged by using empirical relationships. This energy generated in sewers by biomass when converted to other forms of energy can be enormous for local use. Within the alternative energy sources, the study recommends the use of biomass since most houses in Uyo have private septic tanks as sewers for soil waste. This makes it readily available in the environment. With appropriate policies in place and adequate encouragement in the use of biomass energy, the present gasoline power generators used in various homes could be replaced to ensure environmental sustainability in Akwa Ibom State.