METHANE

• Its chemical formula is CH 4

• 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 CO 2

• 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