METHANE

 Its chemical formula is CH4

 It is a colorless and odorless gas
 Melting point : -182.456
 Boiling point : -161.5
 Soluble in ethanol, acetone, methanol, diethyl ether, benzene, toluene, water
 Uses: automobiles, ovens and water heater as a fuel, generation of electricity, rocket fuel in its
refined liquid form , sanitize products, antifreeze ingredient in industries and is a common
ingredient in fertilizer.
 It is non-toxic and creates no hazard when inhaled in limited quantities
 If it is used at high concentration, it may reduce the oxygen percentage in air, causing
suffocation.
 It is a greenhouse gas and increases global warming
 It is harmful to humans, ecosystem and crops
 Contributes to the forming of ozone
 Leads to various health issues in animals
 Methane exposure, particularly when experienced in high concentrations, can lead to to
methane poisoning.
 Burning of methane is harmful to environment
 Prevention:
a) If farmers switch to more productive cattle herds; production of more food from plants and less
from livestock
b) It can be reduced from environment by a type of clay called zeolite which is used to make cat
liter
c) It can be captured, converted and used as a renewable energy
d) Reducing demand for most polluting fossil fuels
 Methane is produced mainly from livestock
 It is also produced by hydrogenating carbon dioxide through the Sabatier process; from recycled
or renewable CO2
 Wetlands are the largest natural source of methane; produces 78 percent
 Produced from landfills, oil and natural gas system, coal mining, wastewater treatment and etc
 Produces more heat and light as a fuel