What is Biogas?

O biogas it is a biofuel derived from organic materials (biomass) and, therefore, it is an alternative source of energy (renewable or clean energy), which replaces the use of fossil fuels. It is produced through the anaerobic fermentation (absence of air) of bacteria present in the biomass.

Remember that renewable energy sources are those that regenerate spontaneously in nature or through human intervention, being considered clean energy.

Currently, bioenergy has been the subject of many debates as it does not produce a large environmental impact being a good alternative to replace non-renewable energy sources such as oil and coal.

Biogas and Sanitary Landfill

Biogas is produced through the decomposition of organic waste, which releases the slurry, a dark, viscous liquid, which in turn produces methane gas (CH₄).

are us landfills that organic waste is dumped, where there is soil preparation so that no contamination occurs.

In these places there is a mechanism for capturing the gases released by the fermentation and decomposition of organic matter. Thus, biogas is produced by

combustion which occurs through the use of equipment called an anaerobic biodigester.

In addition to organic waste, other materials are used in the production of biogas: human waste, manure, sugar cane, straw, plants, wood, agricultural residues, bagasse (sugar cane, rice husk, chestnut, coconut), vegetable oil, among others.

Composition

In addition to methane (CH₄), biogas is composed of a mixture of gases: carbon dioxide (CO₂), and in smaller proportions nitrogen (N₂), hydrogen (H₂), oxygen (O₂) and hydrogen sulphide (H₂S).

Use

Biogas is used in the production of electricity and has been an alternative for rural areas. Furthermore, it generates heat and fuels being used in engines, lighting, vehicles and stoves.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the production and use of biogas are directly related to environmental sustainability, since it is a renewable energy source (produced through garbage) and, therefore, inexhaustible, being cleaner than gas Natural.

In addition, it is a cheap and sustainable alternative for the reuse and reduction of waste in the world which causes various diseases and contamination of soil, water and air.

Although it is a renewable energy and reduces the environmental impact compared to other fuels, biogas has a high content of methane and carbon dioxide (CO₂), which can harm the environment since it contributes to the increase in greenhouse effect.

Therefore, it is noteworthy that the process of obtaining biogas is polluting, however, much smaller compared to fossil fuels.

Biogas in Brazil

In Brazil, biogas production has been a good alternative for energy production in rural areas, where biodigesters are installed. In this way, in addition to supplying isolated communities, the production of biogas can be a source of income for farmers.

Our country has great potential for adopting this energy source because it is very large and produces a large amount of garbage per day; and still, it has many rural places that produce the inputs for the production of biogas.

However, in Brazil the biogas production system still has high costs, which hinders its expansion and adoption in large centers.

Learn more about the topic by reading the articles:

• organic waste
• biomass
• Biofuels
• Alternative energy sources
• Biodiesel