Carbon Dioxide

Carbon Dioxide is vital to life on earth and forms part of the Carbon cycle. It is a clear, odourless gas existing naturally as a trace gas. Natural sources of carbon dioxide include volcanoes, hot springs, geysers and carbonate rocks. Carbon Dioxide occurs naturally in groundwater, rivers, and lakes, in ice caps and glaciers and also in seawater. Carbon Dioxide is produced by all aerobic organisms when they metabolize carbohydrate and lipids to produce energy by respiration. It is also produced during the processes of decay of organic materials and the fermentation of sugars in bread, beer, and winemaking as well as by combustion of wood, carbohydrates and fossil fuels. In industry processes, Carbon Dioxide is used as inert gas in welding and fire extinguishers.