Uses of Biogas: Composition & Sample Questions

Biogas, also commonly known as gobar gas, is produced by the process of anaerobic decomposition of organic matter such as manure, agricultural waste, cow dung, etc. It is made up of several gases, mainly carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrogen. Biogas is one of the most widely used renewable sources of energy. It is highly flammable and environmentally friendly. Biogas can be used in a variety of ways, for example, as a vehicle fuel or for the generation of electricity.

Keywords: Biogas, Chemical Formula, Uses, Gobar gas, Renewable energy

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Uses of Biogas

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Biogas is a friendly renewable energy source that has various applications in cooking, drying, cooling, heating etc. Following are some of the common uses of biogas in our daily life:

• Uses in Home
• Uses in Electricity
• Other uses

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Uses in Home

Biogas is an excellent alternative to be used while cooking since it produces less pollution in comparison with other fuels. 

• The byproducts while the generation of biogas can prove to be great organic fertilizers.
• Biogas also helps in sourcing indoor lights.
• It is also used in instruments used for water heating, room heating, etc.

Uses in Electricity

Biogas helps in the production of electricity.

• It also serves as an alternative to other fuels due to its environmentally friendly property.
• Biogas is capable of displacing carbon dioxide in on-site CHP plants.

Other uses

Biogas can be used in hydrogen fuel cells.

• It is also used for street lighting purposes.
• Currently, a major use of biogas is in the transportation industry.
• Biogas can also replace CNG and be used in vehicles.

A biogas plant setup in India

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Composition of Biogas

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The composition of biogas depends on the conditions under which the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter takes place. Typically, biogas contains methane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen, hydrogen sulphide, and oxygen. The composition of each substance in percentage is given below: 

However, sometimes, a few contaminants such as sulphur compounds, ammonia, and siloxanes also get in the mixture of biogases. These impurities could prove to be environmentally hazardous and toxic.

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Things to Remember

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• Biogas is formed due to the breakdown of organic matter due to anaerobic digestion.
• Biogas is an environmentally friendly and renewable source of energy.
• It is also known as gobar gas.
• Biogas can be used as fuel, for the generation of electricity, or for cooking purposes.
• Biogas is a mixture of gases, the majority of it being methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen.

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Previous Year Questions

1. During sewage treatment biogas produced includes…? (NEET 2013)
2. In gobar gas, the maximum amount is that of…? (NEET 2012)
3. A major component of gobar gas is…? (NEET 2004)
4. Which bacteria is utilized in gobar gas plants…? (NEET 2002)
5. During anaerobic digestion of organic waste, such as in producing biogas, which one of the following is left undegraded…? (NEET 2003)
6. Streptomycin is obtained from…? (BCECE 2010)
7. In domestic sewage, impurities in the form of suspended solids, colloidal materials, and dissolved materials are about…? (AMUEEE 2012)
8. Rat poison is obtained from…? (JKCET 2010)
9. Yeast is used for commercial production of…? (AMUEEE 2014)
10. Which of the following fern is an excellent biofertilizer…? (NEET 1999)

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