Decay

• decay

  break down of plants and animals material aswell as waste to get energy
• decomposition can produce compost
• factors affecting rate of decay

  • temperature
  • water availability
  • number of decay organisms
• temperature

  decomposition occurs quicker in warmer temperatures as rate of enzymes increase but if it is too hot decomposition slows down due to enzymes denaturing
• water availability

  decomposition occurs quicker in moist environments as organisms involved in decay require water for biological processes
• number of decay organisms

  more microorganisms means faster decomposition
• compost

  decomposed organic matter used as a natural fertiliser
• biogas

  is made by anaerobic decay of waste material
• biogas is mainly made up of methane and can be used for fuel
• two types of biogas generators

  • batch generators - make biogas in small quantities
  • continuous generators - make biogas all the time