Biogas is the combination of methane gas (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen(N) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S).
Composition of Biogas
It has two-thirds methane, and the remaining one-third contains carbon dioxide, nitrogen and hydrogen sulphide.
Formation of Biogas
Biogas production includes three main steps. These include hydrolysis, acidification and methane formation.
Hydrolysis
Hydrolysis is the first step of biogas production in which anaerobic bacteria break down complex organic molecules into simple substances in the presence of enzymes.
Acidification
Acidification is the second step in biogas production. Acidifying bacteria convert intermediary compounds into acidic acid, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen in this step.
This is the third step of biogas production. Methanogenic bacteria convert intermediary compounds into methane gas and carbon dioxide in this step.
Methane Formation
Benefits of Biogas
Biogas is eco-friendly because of less emission of carbon dioxide and methane.
Biogas production helps in solid waste management.