Question

how do the gases created during the decomposition of organic material affect the environment? how do different types of organic materials vary in the amount of gases produced?

Answer 1

77273 Chemistry, Organic Chemistry

How do the gases created during the decomposition of organic material affect the environment? How do different types of organic materials vary in the amount of gases produced?

Answer:

Decomposition of organic material generates such gases as:

- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) – greenhouse gas contributing climate change;

- Methane (CH₄) - greenhouse gas contributing climate change, explosive and toxic;

- Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) – toxic gas causing acidic precipitation.

Normally animal remains produce more gases (fats, oils and greases (industry lingo: FOGs) and food waste). While plant remains tend to mineralize more.