What is the primary component of anaerobic digester gas?

The primary component of anaerobic digester gas is methane. Anaerobic digestion is a biological process where microorganisms break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen. During this process, these microorganisms consume the organic material and produce biogas, which is primarily composed of methane, alongside carbon dioxide and small amounts of other gases like hydrogen sulfide.

Methane is significant because it is a clean-burning fuel that can be used for energy generation, making it an important resource in waste management and renewable energy. In contrast, while the presence of oxygen and nitrogen can occur in other contexts, they are not the main products of anaerobic digestion. Hydrogen sulfide, although it can be a component of the gas produced, is typically found in much smaller concentrations compared to methane. Thus, identifying methane as the primary component highlights its key role in the biogas generated from anaerobic digestion processes.