Abstract

Anaerobic digestion is an organic carbon-based process and sustainable technology. In this process, empirical formulas and theoretical biomethane potentials of organic matters are two important parameters. Mass percentages of elements can be found by ultimate analysis, and then empirical formula can be calculated by the known mass percentages of elements. Other data, such as quantity amount of biomethane and theoretical biomethane potential can also be attained by calculations. Although empirical formulas are important for quantifying theoretical biomethane potentials, they are not always available in published papers. In some cases, the theoretical biomethane potential cannot be verified. This article has two purposes. First, it identifies the valid empirical formulas of organic matters. Second, it examines the correctness of a series of calculations: from mass percentages of elements to empirical formulas and from empirical formulas to theoretical biomethane potential. The mean oxidation number of organic carbons is used as an assessor that validates the empirical formulas and their corresponding mass percentages of elements. The relative percentage of theoretical biomethane potential is designed as an indicator that measures the discrepancy between the published theoretical biomethane potential and the recalculated theoretical biomethane potential.

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