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Decomposition - AQAAnaerobic decay, methane gas and biogas generators

Decomposition, or decay, is the breakdown of dead matter. The rate at which this happens depends upon the number of decomposing microorganisms, the temperature, and water and oxygen availability.

Part of Biology (Single Science)Ecology

Anaerobic decay, methane gas and biogas generators

occurs when bacteria and fungi break down dead matter without oxygen. This can happen naturally in some soils, particularly water logged soils, and in lakes and marshes. When people overwater their houseplants and flood the roots, anaerobic decay can occur, which can kill them.

The products of anaerobic decay are methane and carbon dioxide. We use methane as a fuel. Both gases are , which contribute towards .

Biogas

We can use the process of anaerobic decay or decomposition to provide us with fuel. Together the methane and carbon dioxide produced are called . This is a source of . Biogas generators are large vessels in which animal waste or specially grown crops such as maize are allowed to anaerobically digest. If domestic waste is used as a source of methane, this also reduces the volume of domestic waste added to .

A diagram showing how a biogas generator works.  Biogas is generated from manure and then used as fuel.
Figure caption,
The process of biogas generation
A biogas generator
Image caption,
An industrial biogas generator