Question

From marshy places methane gas is liberated due to (a) degradation of biomass (b) oxidation of biomass (c) burning of biomass (d) reduction of biomass

Short answer

(a) degradation of biomass

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Context

Methane gas is a common component released from marshy areas, often referred to as swamp gas. This release is a natural process associated with the breakdown of biomaterial.

Identify the Key Process

Methane is produced under anaerobic (without oxygen) conditions, where microorganisms break down organic materials. This is critical for identifying the correct process.

Evaluate Each Option

Examine each option carefully: (a) Degradation of biomass - This involves breaking down organic materials. (b) Oxidation of biomass - This process typically requires oxygen, which doesn’t produce methane under anaerobic conditions. (c) Burning of biomass - This process involves combustion, not applicable in marshy environments. (d) Reduction of biomass - This does not align with methane production as it involves the gain of electrons.

Select the Correct Answer

Based on the process description, the correct answer is the 'degradation of biomass,' as it leads to methane production under anaerobic conditions in marshy places.

Key concepts

degradation of biomass

Degradation of biomass is a biological process where organic matter breaks down into simpler compounds. This is typically carried out by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. These tiny creatures feed on dead plants, animals, and other organic materials, breaking them down for energy. In marshy areas, there is a rich supply of biomass from decaying vegetation.

When biomass degrades, several chemical reactions occur, releasing energy and simpler molecules like carbon dioxide and methane. This degradation process is natural and happens continuously in ecosystems. However, in marshy places, the conditions are often anaerobic, which significantly impacts the process.

anaerobic conditions

Anaerobic conditions refer to environments that lack oxygen. Marshy areas often have waterlogged soil, which limits oxygen availability. This creates an anaerobic environment, ideal for certain microorganisms that thrive without oxygen.

In such conditions, microbes break down biomass differently compared to aerobic environments (where oxygen is present). The lack of oxygen leads to fermentation and other anaerobic processes. Methanogens are special microorganisms that produce methane as a byproduct of this anaerobic digestion.

Unlike their aerobic counterparts, these microbes manage to survive and perform their metabolic activities in oxygen-deprived conditions, making marshes prime locations for methane production.

methane gas

Methane (CH4) is a simple hydrocarbon gas produced through the degradation of biomass under anaerobic conditions. It is colorless, odorless, and flammable. In marshy areas, methane is often referred to as 'swamp gas.'

During the breakdown of organic matter in marshes, methanogenic archaea, a type of microbe, consumes hydrogen and carbon dioxide, producing methane. This gas then bubbles up through the water and is released into the atmosphere.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, trapping heat in the atmosphere. While its presence in marshy areas is a small part of natural methane emissions, it is important to understand its role in the global methane cycle and its impact on climate change.