Question

How is biogas obtained from biomass?

Answer 1

Biogas:

1. Biogas is a renewable energy source produced by breaking down organic matter by certain bacteria under anaerobic conditions.
2. It can be made from agricultural waste, food waste, animal dung, manure, and sewage.
3. The process of biogas production is also known as anaerobic digestion.

Breakdown of Organic matter:

1. The first stage involves the breakdown of organic polymers, such as carbohydrates, making them available to the next stage of bacteria known as acidogenic bacteria.
2. The acidogenic bacteria then convert the sugar and amino acids into carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen, and organic acids.
3. The organic acids are now converted into acetic acid, hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon dioxide.
4. These are finally converted into methane and carbon dioxide by the action of methanogens.

Biogas converts the harmful methane gas produced during decomposition, into less harmful carbon dioxide gas.