How is methane primarily removed from water due to its low solubility?

How is methane primarily removed from water due to its low solubility?

• A. Chemical treatment
• B. Air stripping
• C. Absorption
• D. Filtration

Answer: (B)

Methane is a gas with very low solubility in water, which makes physical removal methods particularly effective. Air stripping is a process that utilizes this property by increasing the contact surface area between the water and air. As water is agitated or aerated, methane escapes from the water into the air due to its volatility. This method leverages the concentration gradient between the gas in water and the surrounding air, promoting the transfer of methane from the water phase to the vapor phase. In contrast, chemical treatment, absorption, and filtration are less effective for methane removal. Chemical treatments generally involve reactions that are suited for contaminants with different properties; absorption is more applicable for substances with higher solubility; and filtration primarily addresses solids and larger particles rather than gases. Therefore, air stripping emerges as the most suitable method for efficiently removing methane from water, given its physical characteristics and the principles of gas exchange.

Methane is a gas with very low solubility in water, which makes physical removal methods particularly effective. Air stripping is a process that utilizes this property by increasing the contact surface area between the water and air. As water is agitated or aerated, methane escapes from the water into the air due to its volatility. This method leverages the concentration gradient between the gas in water and the surrounding air, promoting the transfer of methane from the water phase to the vapor phase.

In contrast, chemical treatment, absorption, and filtration are less effective for methane removal. Chemical treatments generally involve reactions that are suited for contaminants with different properties; absorption is more applicable for substances with higher solubility; and filtration primarily addresses solids and larger particles rather than gases. Therefore, air stripping emerges as the most suitable method for efficiently removing methane from water, given its physical characteristics and the principles of gas exchange.