Methane Gas Facts
1. Methane comprises abut 50% of landfill gas, and is the most reduced organic molecule. In other words, no further conversions to simpler organic molecules are possible once methane has been produced. It is produced as an end product of anaerobic metabolism. Let us look at a simple conversion reaction producing methane.
This is one of the most important reactions characteristic of anaerobic processes. Hence the production of methane can be used as a test for the anaerobic biodegradability of a test substance.
2. Methane is a short-lived Greenhouse Gas (GHG) with an atmospheric lifetime of approximately 12 years compared to over 100 years for carbon dioxide.
3. Methane is 23 times more potent as a GHG, kilogram for kilogram, than carbon dioxide. The balance of the input rate and the removal rate determines atmospheric concentrations of GHG.
4. There will be a greater impact by concentrating on methane in the medium-term because it is shortlived in the atmosphere and has a high global warming potential (GWP).
5. Some 60 percent of methane emissions come from anthropogenic sources, with around 40 percent from natural sources.
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