Hydrocarbons in biogas from household solid waste

Journal article, 1998

The components of biogas from source-separated domestic waste were studied for the first major Swedish plant (Sobacken, Boras) in operation. Methane, carbon dioxide and C-6-C-11 hydrocarbons were determined by gas chromatographic methods. The content of methane was found to be just over 70% (v/v). The major polluting hydrocarbon in the biogas was p-cymene. It may be formed by rearrangement and dehydrogenation of limonene and other monoterpenes in food waste.