Anaerobic decay, methane gas and bio gas generators

• Decomposition, or decay, is the breakdown of dead matter
• The rate of decay depends on:

  • Number of decomposing microorganisms
  • Temperature
  • Water and oxygen availability
• Anaerobic decay occurs without oxygen when bacteria and fungi break down dead matter
• Anaerobic decay can naturally occur in waterlogged soils, lakes, and marshes
• Overwatering houseplants can lead to anaerobic decay, which can kill them
• Products of anaerobic decay are methane and carbon dioxide
• Methane and carbon dioxide produced from anaerobic decay are called biogas
• Biogas is a type of biofuel derived from the action of bacteria on animal manure or organic waste
• Biogas is a source of renewable energy
• Biogas generators are vessels where animal waste or crops like maize are allowed to anaerobically digest
• Using domestic waste as a source of methane reduces the volume of waste in landfill sites