The major gas produced by aerobic decomposition is what?

In aerobic decomposition, organic matter is broken down by microorganisms in the presence of oxygen. During this process, the primary byproduct of the microbial activity is carbon dioxide. This occurs because the microorganisms consume organic material and oxygen to produce energy, releasing carbon dioxide as a metabolic waste product.

The process is critical in natural ecosystems and wastewater treatment plants, as it helps manage organic waste and recycle nutrients. While other gases can be produced during the decomposition process, such as small amounts of methane in anaerobic conditions or traces of nitrogen compounds, carbon dioxide is the predominant gas released when oxygen is present. Therefore, identifying carbon dioxide as the major gas indicates a solid understanding of aerobic biological processes occurring in waste treatment and environmental biology.