Sunday, July 02, 2017

Methane is created in nature, but, the process can be interrupted.

Methanogenesis is the final step in the biological decomposition of biomass in the absence of oxygen.

...Methane fermentation (click here) is the consequence of a series of metabolic interactions among various groups of microorganisms. A description of microorganisms involved in methane fermentation, based on an analysis of bacteria isolated from sewage sludge digesters and from the rumen of some animals, is summarized in Fig. 4-1. The first group of microorganisms secrete enzymes which hydrolyze polymeric materials to monomers such as glucose and amino acids, which are subsequently converted to higher volatile fatty acids, H2 and acetic acid (Fig. 4-1; stage 1). In the second stage, hydrogen-producing acetogenic bacteria convert the higher volatile fatty acids e.g., propionic and butyric acids, produced, to H2, CO2, and acetic acid. Finally, the third group, methanogenic bacteria convert H2, CO2, and acetate, to CH4 and CO2....

FYI: Syntrophomonas woifei is a bacteria. It was used to explain the process of "methanogenesis." 

Methanogenesis is a very complex process that breaks down biomatter to produce methane. Methane is not the goal, it is the side effect of a biological process. GOT THAT. Methanogenesis occurs as a side effect, NOT a goal.