Effects of different adsorbent on methane reduction on a garbage bin using MQ4 Gas Sensor

Abstract

Garbage decomposition that produces methane could be very dangerous if not detected properly. This study used methane gas sensor (MQ-4) to detect the presence of methane from the decomposition of fish guts waste. This study also compared different adsorbents such as charcoal, Sodium Bicarbonate and its combinations, their ability to adsorb methane in a specially designed garbage bin. Results showed that after five days of monitoring, all the three tested adsorbents showed reduction in the concentration of methane. However, Sodium Bicarbonate gives the highest percent of reduction at 13.16 %. Charcoal showed 0.53% methane reduction and the combination of the two adsorbent showed 9.22% reduction of methane concentration. In addition, the amount of adsorbent was also considered. Doubling its amount also doubles the amount of methane reduced. We therefore conclude that Sodium Bicarbonate is a possible alternative to reduce methane.