What specific type of waste treatment process is designed to capture methane (CH4) from anaerobic decomposition?

Anaerobic digestion is the specific type of waste treatment process designed to capture methane (CH4) from anaerobic decomposition. Anaerobic decomposition is the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen. This process naturally occurs in environments like landfills, wetlands, and the digestive systems of animals. Anaerobic digestion is used to treat various organic wastes, including sewage sludge, animal manure, food waste, and energy crops. In an anaerobic digester, microorganisms break down the organic material, producing biogas as a byproduct. Biogas is primarily composed of methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas, and carbon dioxide (CO2), along with smaller amounts of other gases. The methane produced can then be captured and used as a renewable energy source. The captured methane can be used to generate electricity, produce heat, or be upgraded to pipeline-quality natural gas for use as a transportation fuel or for other industrial applications. By capturing and utilizing the methane, anaerobic digestion not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also provides a sustainable energy alternative. Modern landfills also employ methane capture systems. These systems involve installing a network of wells throughout the landfill to collect the biogas produced by the anaerobic decomposition of waste. The collected biogas is then piped to a central facility where it can be processed and used for energy generation. This prevents the methane from escaping into the atmosphere, where it would contribute to global warming.