Anaerobic Biodegradability & Biogas Yield Testing for Waste, Biomass & Digestate
Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) testing measures how much methane a given organic substrate can produce under controlled anaerobic digestion conditions. It is the key data point behind biogas plant design, landfill gas-to-energy projects, co-digestion feasibility studies, and waste-to-energy investment decisions. As a leading BMP testing laboratory in UAE, METS Lab supports waste management companies, wastewater treatment plants, and renewable energy developers with accurate, standard-compliant methane yield data.
Our ISO-accredited laboratory runs batch anaerobic digestion assays under controlled temperature and inoculum conditions, tracking cumulative biogas production, methane content, and volatile solids destruction over the full digestion period. Testing is carried out in accordance with ISO 11734 and VDI 4630, giving clients reliable data for feedstock evaluation, digester sizing, and regulatory or investor reporting.
Our Core BMP Testing Services Include
- Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) Testing of Organic Waste & Biomass
- BMP Testing of Sewage Sludge & Digestate
- Anaerobic Biodegradation Testing of Biodegradable Plastics
- Landfill Gas Generation Potential Testing
- Inoculum Activity & Process Stability Testing
Why BMP Testing is Important?
BMP Testing of Organic Waste & Biomass
Before committing to a biogas plant design or feedstock supply agreement, operators need reliable data on how much methane a substrate will actually yield. METS Lab runs batch BMP assays on food waste, agricultural residues, energy crops, and other organic feedstocks, reporting cumulative methane yield and digestion kinetics. Testing follows:
- Water quality — Evaluation of the “ultimate” anaerobic biodegradation of organic compounds in digested sludge — Method by measurement of the biogas production — ISO 11734:1995
- Fermentation of organic materials — Characterisation of the substrate, sampling, collection of material data, fermentation tests — VDI 4630
BMP Testing of Sewage Sludge & Digestate
Wastewater treatment plants rely on anaerobic digestion to stabilize sludge and recover energy as biogas. METS Lab evaluates the residual methane potential of primary, secondary, and digested sludge to assess digester performance and identify opportunities to improve gas yield and volatile solids reduction.
- Water quality — Evaluation of the “ultimate” anaerobic biodegradation of organic compounds in digested sludge — ISO 11734:1995
Co-Digestion Feasibility & Substrate Synergy Testing
Blending feedstocks — such as food waste with sludge, or manure with energy crops — can significantly improve biogas yield through synergistic effects, but can also introduce inhibition risks. We run comparative BMP assays across substrate blends to identify optimal co-digestion ratios before full-scale implementation.
- Fermentation of organic materials — Characterisation of the substrate, sampling, collection of material data, fermentation tests — VDI 4630
Anaerobic Biodegradation Testing of Biodegradable Plastics
Manufacturers of compostable and biodegradable packaging need to demonstrate that their materials break down under anaerobic digestion conditions without leaving persistent residues. METS Lab evaluates the anaerobic biodegradation rate and extent of plastic materials in accordance with:
- Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under High-Solids Anaerobic-Digestion Conditions — ASTM D5511-18
- Plastics — Determination of the ultimate anaerobic biodegradation of plastic materials in high-solids digestion — ISO 15985
Landfill Gas Generation Potential Testing
For landfill gas-to-energy projects, understanding the methane generation potential of the waste mass is essential for gas capture system design and lifecycle energy recovery estimates. Our testing is performed with reference to:- Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation Potential of Organic Chemicals under Methanogenic Conditions — ASTM E2170-01(2018)
Key Parameters in BMP Testing
METS Lab reports the full set of parameters needed to evaluate feedstock performance and support biogas project decision-making. As a leading BMP testing laboratory in UAE, we run assays over the full digestion period required to reach a stable methane production plateau.BMP Testing Parameters
| Cumulative Methane Yield (mL CHâ‚„/g VS) | ISO 11734 / VDI 4630 |
| Biogas Composition (CHâ‚„ / COâ‚‚ %) | ISO 11734 / VDI 4630 |
| Volatile Solids (VS) & Total Solids (TS) Reduction | ISO 11734 / VDI 4630 |
| Lag Phase Duration | VDI 4630 |
| Digestion Kinetics (Cumulative Production Curve) | VDI 4630 |
| Inoculum-to-Substrate Ratio Control | VDI 4630 |
Industries We Serve
We support organizations across the waste management and renewable energy value chain with feedstock evaluation and process performance data. We regularly serve:- Waste Management & Landfill Operators
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
- Biogas & Biomethane Plant Developers
- Agricultural & Food Waste Processors
- Renewable Energy & Waste-to-Energy Companies
- Biodegradable Packaging Manufacturers
- Environmental Consultancies
- EPC Contractors for Biogas Projects
Why Choose METS Lab?
With extensive experience supporting the region’s waste management and renewable energy sectors, Middle East Testing Services (METS Lab) is a leading BMP testing laboratory in UAE. We combine controlled digestion infrastructure with rigorous analytical methods to deliver reliable feedstock and process data:
Comprehensive Reporting: Our reports include full cumulative biogas production curves, methane content trends, and VS/TS reduction data to support feasibility studies, plant design, and investor or regulatory reporting. Expert Technical Team: Our scientists are experienced in anaerobic digestion assay design and can advise on inoculum selection, substrate preparation, and test duration for your specific feedstock or project.FAQ Section
What is Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) testing?
BMP testing measures the volume of methane a substrate produces when digested anaerobically under controlled conditions, expressed as mL CHâ‚„ per gram of volatile solids. It is used to evaluate feedstock quality, size biogas digesters, and assess co-digestion opportunities.
How long does a BMP test take?
A standard BMP assay typically runs for 21 to 35 days, or until daily biogas production falls below 1% of the cumulative total, in line with ISO 11734 and VDI 4630 requirements. We agree the exact duration with you based on your substrate type and project timeline.
Can you test blended or co-digestion feedstocks?
Yes. We run comparative BMP assays on individual substrates and blended combinations to identify synergistic effects and optimal mixing ratios before full-scale co-digestion implementation.
Do you test biodegradable plastics for anaerobic digestion compatibility?
Yes. We evaluate anaerobic biodegradation of plastic and packaging materials under high-solids digestion conditions in accordance with ASTM D5511-18 and ISO 15985.
What sample quantity do you need for BMP testing?
Sample requirements depend on substrate type and moisture content; as a general guide, 1 to 2 kg of representative sample is sufficient for a standard BMP assay. We can confirm exact requirements once we know your substrate type.