Lower carbon emissions make them a safer alternative to preserve atmospheric quality and lower air pollution. For example, bioethanol and biodiesel have a higher tendency to absorb moisture than fossil fuels, which can cause corrosion in fuel systems and engines. It might seem counterintuitive at first, but some scientists argue that widespread biofuel production is a negative-sum game: Producing enough biodiesel or ethanol to replace one gallon of petroleum fuel, they argue, requires the energy equivalent to several gallons' worth of petroleum fuel [source: Pimentel]. Although it has been stated quite extensively that biofuels have an overall positive environmental impact, it may be well to explore the disadvantages of biofuels in this respect. Various Advantages and Disadvantages of Biofuels Hundreds -- even thousands -- of unbroken acres of one crop offer an irresistible target for plant pests; pest populations can explode beyond control in such a tempting environment. It takes up to 1.4 gallons of ethanol to replicate the mileage that 1 gallon of gasoline can provide. Additionally, the grass mix actually helps to offset carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, ease of access to food imports and the export depends on a wide variety of political and social factors. Second, the oil these plants produce is not equal. Biomass Advantages and Disadvantages SynTech Bioenergy At the moment, biofuels are not compatible with all types of vehicles and equipment. Energy-to-Waste: Pros & Cons of Advanced Gasification - EQTEC Advantages & Disadvantages of Ethanol Biofuel - Physics Create your free account or Sign in to continue. ), which scientists call biomass. In 2013 Enerkem plans to open a plant there, too, with the help of $130 million in taxpayer funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Energy. Some scientists argue that producing enough biodiesel or ethanol to replace one gallon of petroleum fuel needs energy equal to several gallons value of petroleum fuel. Biological source of energy can be produced in many cases from locally available resources, which in turn decreases our reliance on imported fossil fuels that are even becoming rarer. Fueling homes, businesses, and vehicles with biofuels are less expensive compared to fossil fuels. Farmers of corn, cotton, and soybeans, all possible sources of biofuel, are increasingly planting genetically modified types of those plants. Biofuels are often not compatible with traditional fossil fuel infrastructure because they have different chemical and physical properties. Furthermore, the burning of coal and oil raises the temperature and warms the planet. These landfills not only spread foul smell but also contaminate underground water sources. But large-scale biofuel production, especially corn products and in arid regions of the world, has to share limited water resources with drinking and irrigation needs. One alternative involves the use of highly diverse mixtures of species, with the North American tallgrass prairie as a specific example. Although the creation of biofuels produces carbon dioxide as a byproduct, it is often used to grow the plants that are converted into fuel. Biomass production uses a lot of water 5. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. . A 2009 study suggests that, in the rush to produce enough corn-based ethanol to meet federal alternative energy requirements, biofuel demand is already putting stress on fresh water supplies in the Great Plains and central Southwest [source: McKenna]. For the billions of people living on only a few dollars per day, even a slight increase in food prices could jeopardize their access to proper nutrition. Land use for biofuels may not cause a severe shortage of food; however, it will put pressure on the current increase of crops. A 2005 study suggested that, using current farming and production technology, it takes anywhere from 27 to 118 percent more energy to produce a gallon of biodiesel than the energy it contains [source: Pimentel]. However, ready access to food imports, and the ease of exporting, hinge on a wide range of political and social factors. Algae has the same concerns of monoculture that the agriculture industry experiences. But that price quickly reaches consumers. Drivers of vehicles who use these fuels usually have to install heating units to protect the fuel tank and lines free from gelled fuel or dual-fuel mechanisms flushing the engine with petroleum diesel during start-up and shut-down. Biogas and syngas are two types of gaseous biofuels. Biofuel crops are no different from petunias or peppers in this regard. Biofuels are less suitable for application in low temperatures. Advantages and Disadvantages of Anaerobic Digestion vs Composting The use of biofuels can therefore help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to a more sustainable energy system. However, it is important to carefully evaluate the environmental impacts of biofuels in order to ensure that they are being used in the most sustainable and responsible way possible. The major disadvantage of fuel ethanol, however, is its production cost. #1 Land use changes and land grabbing Many unsaturated oils have undesirable burn characteristics: They'll leave gummy residue in an engine when used as fuel. It generates harmful emissions 2. Bioenergy is less expensive. Many fertilizers contain nitrogen and phosphorus. Biofuels require agricultural land which is already limited. In recent years, biofuel development and use has risen significantly. Some algal species contain up to 40 percent lipids by weight, which can be converted into biodiesel or synthetic petroleum. Biomass is plant or animal material like wood, energy crops, and waste from forests, farms, or yards utilized as fuel to generate electricity or heat. Unlike the first-generation ethanol biofuel produced from food crops, second-generation cellulosic ethanol is derived from low-value biomass that possesses a high cellulose content, including wood chips, crop residues, and municipal waste. "Modern Agriculture: Ecological impacts and the possibilities for truly sustainable farming." For example, if crops grown for biofuels are planted on land that could be used for growing food crops. As an alternative source of energy obtained from renewable and biological material, these fuels can be produced using waste materials. However, in terms of cost, the overall benefits of using biofuels are much higher. Less carbon emissions . For example, bioethanol, which is produced from plant matter from corn, sugarcane or rapeseed, can be blended with gasoline to create a fuel called E10, which contains 10 percent of bioethanol and 90 percent of gasoline. Converting degraded agricultural land that is out of production to such high-diversity biofuel sources could increase wildlife area, reduce erosion, cleanse waterborne pollutants, store carbon dioxide from the air as carbon compounds in the soil, and ultimately restore fertility to degraded lands. Disadvantages of Composting If the composted materials contain waste types such as animal or food waste there is a risk that diseases (for example "foot and mouth") may be spread in the compost. Biofuels costs are affected by these fluctuations, so when the price of fossil fuels is high, biofuels can be more cost-competitive. Agricultural and Food Policy Center, Texas A&M University. When they are used as fuel, they leave gummy residue in the engine. It's Not Completely Clean High Costs In Comparison To Other Alternatives Possible Deforestation Production Requires Space It Requires Water It Has Inefficiencies It's Under Development Traditional waste tire management strategies Advantages Disadvantages; Recycling and reclamation: Reduces global warming and helps preserve . Continue reading with a Scientific American subscription. Biomass and the environment - Energy Information Administration (Nov. 15, 2010)http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_06/b4020093.htm, Golden Fuel Systems. This is due to the fact that biofuels are derived from renewable resources, such as crops and waste materials, which is more expensive to grow and process than fossil fuels. If more people turn to biofuels, a country can diminish its dependence on fossil fuels. Biofuels are also used with success for heating buildings. An example of such practice could be plantation of diverse prairie grass mixtures. Temperate zone plant biomass per hectare could be as high as 20 t. Switchgrass have reported yields up to 30 t ha 1. Water Usage 7. Some of the disadvantages of biofuels apply mainly to low-diversity biofuel sourcescorn, soybeans, sugarcane, oil palmswhich are traditional agricultural crops. Biofuels in Aviation: The Dilemma | Airlines. The process is not always cost-effective: Yes, though it may pay cash to the contributors, the truth is this process needs a lot of money, time and land to set up a plant and run. Compared to petroleum-based gasoline, ethanol is a less effective fuel. Typically, garbage collection has certain disadvantages: Garbage collection consumes computing resources in deciding what memory is to be freed, reconstructing facts that may have been known to the programmer. Advantages and Disadvantages of Biofuels | LoveToKnow Students replicate commercially available alternative fuels, E85 and biodiesel, as well as create an experimental fuel blend of waste . We are going to describe these advantages in this section. These factors are mainly taken into account under the section of disadvantages and will help you understand the complexity of the situation when it comes to finding new energy sources that would replace fossil fuels entirely. Horgan. Biofuel production boosts the demand for suitable biofuel products and strengthens the agriculture industry. Most biofuels are formed from plant matter. Biofuel from waste - BioFuel Information Natural Resources Research. On the other hand, because many biofuel feedstocks require land, water, and other resources, research suggests that biofuel production may give rise to several undesirable effects. Advanced gasification works by thermochemically transforming waste feedstocks using temperatures in excess of 700 and a highly controlled supply of oxygen or steam without using combustion. The oil in their seeds is pressed out, filtered and converted to fuel using a chemical process. "Biofuels and their Impact on Food Prices." They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Since such feedstock material can be replenished readily, biofuel is considered to be a source of renewable energy, unlike fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal, and natural gas. Advantages And Disadvantages Of Ethanol - Ethanol is a volatile, colorless and flammable alcohol obtained from corn or cellulosic materials, and is used as an alternative fuel to gasoline and diesel. But large-scale biofuel production -- especially using corn, and in arid parts of the world -- will have to share finite water resources with drinking and irrigation needs. 1 Feb. 2011. Fossil fuels are non-renewable and release greenhouse gases during their combustion. "The Ripple Effect: Biofuels, Food Security and the Environment." 17 Advantages and Disadvantages of Algae Biofuel An important consideration is the gel point; a fuel that becomes solid above the freezing point of water is not very useful in a cold location. 23 Biomass Energy Advantages and Disadvantages - Vittana.org Biofuels each have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. (2022 Guideline). One potential challenge to the reliability of biofuels is their limited availability, as they are only produced from certain feedstocks (as mentioned in the disadvantages section). This is a problem that biofuel crops, food crops, gardens, and lawns have in common all over the world. Easier availability of biomass, its low cost, and cheaper technologies involved mean producing bioenergy is cheaper when compared to most energy sources, especially fossil fuels. It is also important to consider the full life cycle of biofuels, from production to end-use to ensure that they are used in the most sustainable and efficient manner possible. It seemed like a win-win idea: European demand for biofuel was set to spike, driven in part by regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a2e12d729352bd1 Ignorance Conclusion But factor in a number of other complicating aspects, and biofuel often carries a heavy price. It causes air pollution 3. High Cost of Production Though there are many reasons to want to use biofuels, they do have a very high cost of production and are too expensive to produce, especially considering current market conditions. Another way in which biofuel production can compete with food production is through the use of food crops, such as corn, as feedstocks for biofuels rather than spending resources on processing corn for human consumption. But there's another complication that arises with this selection. Biofuels are generally of two categories: gaseous biofuel and liquid biofuel. Your email address will not be published. It takes biomass and turns it into a clean-burning fuel. As an alternative source of energy, they also reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, minimizing or emitting negative effects that come with the use of this polluting and limited source that has been powering our economies since the industrial revolution but has also brought about increased pollution levels and emissions of greenhouse gases. Excessive use or improper application can leave surplus fertilizer in the soil, which is then washed through regional watersheds and transferred into rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers. To learn more about biofuels, click to the next page. "It's a pittance being spent on reducing our dependence on oil than putting our boys in harm's way overseas," says Coskata's Wesley Bolsen, chief marketing officer and vice president for government affairs. Though ethanol and other biofuels are often promoted as clean, low-cost alternatives to gasoline, industrial corn and soy farming still have a harmful impact on the environment, just in a. The Pros and Cons of Ethanol Fuel - Treehugger To put it another way, think about a field of corn being grown for ethanol. This difference has an effect on the oils' viability as fuel. (Dec. 13, 2010)http://www.ucsusa.org/food_and_agriculture/science_and_impacts/impacts_genetic_engineering/environmental-effects-of.html, Naylor, Rosamond L. et al. However, some biofuel crops, such as corn and sugarcane, are considered to be water-intensive and their production requires large amounts of irrigation. That has yet to be an energy source that comes without some drawback. Biofuel Disadvantage : Environmental Impact. Comparing renewable sources of energy - BBC Bitesize Biofuels are often produced from crops such as corn, sugarcane, and palm oil, which can be grown on a large scale. Biofuels are made from various sources, including manure, crop waste, algae, other byproducts, and plants grown specifically for fuel. That directly translates into more expensive bacon and ham at the grocery store [source: Carey]. The garbage to biofuel process is not only an alternative way to produce home . This is a problem biofuel crops share with food crops, gardens and lawns worldwide. Disadvantages of Biofuels Production of biofuels can be quite inefficient Large amounts of raw materials have to be used Significant greenhouse gas emissions in the production chain Use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides High initial investments required Increase in global food prices Global hunger and starvation High water demand However, most of these crops are also accepted as food products. But the conversions impose additional time and money on the biofuel users. April 14, 2009. These materials include plant matter such as corn, soybeans, and sugarcane, as well as animal fats and agricultural waste. The conversion from one fuel to the other, in some cases, requires a range of new injectors, gaskets and fuel lines. The first generation biofuels are produced from food crops grown on arable land. Similarly, BlueFire Ethanol turns waste into ethanol by using sulfuric acid to release the cellulose in the trash and then adds enzymes and microbes to ferment it into fuel. Scientists sounded the alarm, and further tests by academic and industry researchers confirmed that the corn's pollen posed a threat to monarchs. biofuel, any fuel that is derived from biomassthat is, plant or algae material or animal waste. A number of existing power facilities burn grass, wood, or other kinds of biomass. In a possible moderate ethanol production scenario that includes trash collection and cellulosic ethanol production, sugarcane has the potential to provide sufficient ethanol to meet 14% of Australia's . Environment for Kids: Biomass Energy - Ducksters Biofuels have emerged as an alternative to fossil fuels in recent years due to their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote the use of renewable energy. Many of the studies show that the machinery used to cultivate crops emits large quantities of carbon emissions. Corn-based ethanol, for example, has a higher density than gasoline; fuel injectors have to be larger in an ethanol-only engine to match the fuel flow of a comparable gasoline engine. The disadvantages covered include production costs and resources. The water demands of some biofuel crops can put unsustainable pressure on local water resources if not handled carefully. To meet the increasing demand for biofuels, farmers may convert natural habitats, such as forests and grasslands, into croplands. Carbon monoxide emissions are lower than that . Biofuels can require significant amounts of water for irrigation and processing, which can lead to water depletion and competition with other water uses, including even water for households, or for food production. Perhaps the most straightforward of biofuel's drawbacks is the most obvious: It isn't petroleum-based fuel, so it will operate differently in engines designed for petroleum-based fuel. For example, the production of biofuels can create jobs and stimulate economic development, but it can also lead to higher food prices and competition with other industries for resources. Technologies that allow to completely disrupt biomass, make it more homogeneous and reduce their retention time, are therefore necessary to ensure their effective loading and their complete digestion in the plant and help to reduce some disadvantages of biogas . PhotoAlto/James Hardy/Getty Images "Biofuel" is a major buzzword in transportation circles these days, and for good reason. Moisture is more likely to be absorbed by biofuels than fossil diesel, which causes problems in cold weather. Source of renewable energy Advantages Disadvantages; Biofuel: Renewable source. Can Renewable Energies Solve the Grave Problem of Climate Change? In other words, not all biofuel crops are created equal. For the billions of people who live on only a few dollars per day, even a small increase in food prices could put their access to proper nutrition at risk. Environmental, Economic, and Social Impacts of Biofuel Production from The action you just performed triggered the security solution. By using biofuels as an alternative energy source, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which can help to reduce our impact on the environment and contribute to a more sustainable energy system that is more locally based. Feb. 5, 2007. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Biofuels can be extracted from the waste of those crops as well. However, this is not the only reason to encourage the use of biofuels. 6. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Many common crops could economically produce biofuel in certain parts of the world. But genetically modified crops have accidentally created unwanted and sometimes threatening traits like what happened during primary tests of a modified strain of corn. Central to the problem is corn's relatively high water requirement. If the land used to grow a biofuel feedstock has to be cleared of native vegetation, then ecological damage is done in three ways. Aug. 11, 2006. Will alternative fuels deplete global corn supplies? While the advantages of biomass energy are plenty, there are also some shortcomings, including: 1. A prime example of this occurred in the early 2000s. 11 Advantages and Disadvantages of Ethanol - Vittana.org They emit less carbon dioxide and other emissions when burned than standard diesel. In theory, this seems to be a great way to keep up with the demand for biofuel crops. Or how animal fats, like whale oils, were used extensively in the 17th century to fuel lamps. University of Minnesota. It can be used in pure form (B100) or can be blended with petro-diesel in the form of B2 (2% biodiesel, 98% petroleum diesel), B5 (5% biodiesel, 95% . You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Making biofuels from waste makes dollars--and sense, Edmonton is Canada's chief oil city as well as the capital of Alberta, the province that hosts the bulk of the country's tar sands. Synfuels still remain more expensive to produce than conventional fuels, mostly because more research, development and investment are necessary to make production economically viable. The heat, in turn, can be used to run generators in a power plant to produce electricity. With the growth of the biofuel industry, more jobs will be created, which will help keep the economy secure. One distinctive promise of biofuels is that, in combination with an emerging technology called carbon capture and storage, the process of producing and using biofuels may be capable of perpetually removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Biogas: Converting Waste to Energy | White Papers - EESI Ethanol can be used instead of gasoline in many cars. What is Distributed Generation? Even if plant waste can be used as raw material, the demand for these products will still exist. These emissions include carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels during the production process and nitrous oxide from soil that has been treated with nitrogen fertilizer. Numerous unsaturated oils have undesirable burn properties.

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