decay

• decomposition can produce compost. this is used as natural fertiliser for crops. farmers try to make the ideal condition for quicker decay
• warmer temperature makes things decay quicker because they would increase the rate enzymes involved in decomposition work at. if it is too hot, decomposition will slow down as the enzymes will be destroyed and the organisms die. too cold slow the rate too
• many organisms need oxygen to respire. microorganisms involved in anaerobic decay do not need oxygen
• decay takes place faster in moist environments because the organisms involved in decay need water to carry out biological processes.
• the more microorganisms and detritus feeders, the faster the decomposition happens
• biogas is made by anaerobic decay of waste material. biogas is mostly made of methane, which can be burned as a fuel.
• lots of different microorganisms are used to produce biogas, they decay plant and animals waste anaerobically (without oxygen). this produces methane
• sludge waste is used to make biogas
• biogas is made in a simple fermenter called a digester or generator. generators need to be kept at a constant temperature to keep microorganisms respiring
• biogas cant be stored as liquid, so it has to be used straight away