adba9b10_nversion_and_Biomass_to_Energy__Explanation
[Term] Volatile solids (VS) [Explanation] 
Volatile solids (VS) amount is used as an indicator or proxy for the biodegradability of a material, though recalcitrant biomass (i.e., lignin) which is part of the VS does not degrade anaerobically. VS is the amount of combustible material in a sample. It is determined by an analytical method called “loss on ignition” which is the amount of matter that is volatilized and burned from a sample exposed to air at 550 ºC for 2 hours. The organic (carbon containing matter) is lost and the remaining matter is the mineral or ash component of the original sample. VS is usually reported as percent of total solids (TS), where TS are the sum of the VS and ash components.
Glossary: Conversion and Biomass-to-Energy
Explanation