The disadvantages covered include production costs and resources. Consumers living in a low-producing region would need to have biofuel trucked or piped to them, increasing both cost and the amount of emissions produced in production and transport [source: Pimentel]. Biomass and biofuels have been used to generate energy since ancient times. 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]. The green biomass from these grasses can be harvested regularly for the use as a biofuel. . Biofuels are derived from the decomposition of biological or organic waste. Therefore, the use of biofuels is less of a drain on the wallet. However, in terms of cost, the overall benefits of using biofuels are much higher. In addition, energy crops grown for biofuel can compete for the worlds natural habitats. Also, these crops can be planted again. Long-time monoculture farms must use much more fertilizer than sustainable peers, and this increases water pollution. The production and use of biofuels generates significantly less greenhouse gas emissions than the production and use of highly polluting fossil fuels. (2022 Guideline). Biofuels could be a sustainable energy source over the long term if they are produced and used in a responsible and well-planned manner when all the pros and cons of biofuels versus fossil fuels are considered. Will alternative fuels deplete global corn supplies? Read more about us. The unique nature of a monoculture crop raises the risk of a complete loss for the farmer; if a severe strain of corn blight hits an ethanol-producing corn farm, there will be significant damage. Exorbitant Production Costs 2. However, the high greenhouse emissions, deadly air pollution, instable fossil-based energy prices, and strong growth of global transportation fuel demand have boosted extensive research efforts in developing bioenergy. And once the engine's running, the differences in combustion properties between gasoline and ethanol means that the ethanol-converted engine needs to have its ignition timing adjusted to operate properly [source: Tsuneishi]. Algae has the same concerns of monoculture that the agriculture industry experiences. Students replicate commercially available alternative fuels, E85 and biodiesel, as well as create an experimental fuel blend of waste . It also prevents crop rotation and in turn prevents the soil from recovery from nutritional depletion. The most common types of liquid biofuels are bioethanol and biodiesel. Given that the conversion rate is lower than with first-generation biofuels, cellulosic ethanol is dominantly used as a gasoline additive. But that price quickly reaches consumers. After all, a better harvest would reduce prices and ensure there's enough corn or soybeans on hand to feed and fuel the world, right? In small countries, or in municipalities where landfills are full and . Agricultural and Food Policy Center, Texas A&M University. Manure and other animal waste can be converted to sustainably meet the energy needs of the farm. An example of such practice could be plantation of diverse prairie grass mixtures. The advantages and disadvantages of HYV seeds are shown in the table below: Biofuels Biofuels are any kind of fuel manufactured from living things or from waste. In general, biofuels are more expensive to produce than fossil fuels on a per-unit energy basis. Land use for biofuels may not cause a severe shortage of food; however, it will put pressure on the current increase of crops. Some of the disadvantages of biofuels apply mainly to low-diversity biofuel sourcescorn, soybeans, sugarcane, oil palmswhich are traditional agricultural crops. In order for biofuels to become widely used, researchers are working on developing biofuels that are more similar in properties to fossil fuels. The regional nature of high-producing plants such as palm oil means that certain parts of the world are agricultural gold mines: Biofuel demand motivates plantations to expand quickly. Omissions? About 3.5 million tons of garbage is discarded in landfills every day. The organic material that makes biofuels is made of carbon dioxide absorbed by plants from the atmosphere as they grew. The second most common liquid biofuel is biodiesel, which is made primarily from oily plants (such as the soybean or oil palm) and to a lesser extent from other oily sources (such as waste cooking fat from restaurant deep-frying). Potential drawbacks include changes to land use patterns that may increase GHG emissions, pressure on water resources, air and water pollution, and increased food costs. November 2007. This means they require more space to store the same amount of energy than fossil fuels. Additionally, the amount of water used in biofuel production is also affected by the specific farming practices used. One alternative involves the use of highly diverse mixtures of species, with the North American tallgrass prairie as a specific example. Follow David Biello on Twitter. The Pros of Biofuels All of these plants grow better when given fertilizer. Biofuels are an energy source obtained from organic material (animal waste, plants, etc. Adverse consequences can occur when chemicals are in the water supply. It occupies agricultural space from other crops, which can cause many problems. Hydrogenating, or treating the oil with hydrogen, can mitigate this problem, but increased processing means increased cost [source: Journey to Forever]. Researchers are investigating ways to genetically engineer less thirsty crops, and carefully planning what biofuel crops to plant in a given region can mitigate this problem [source: Lau]. Biodiesel is not much better. Biofuel is the fuel created through contemporary processes from biomass instead of the very gradual geological processes associated with the formation of fossil fuels, such as natural gas or oil. But there is another problem that appears with this selection. This factor could potentially limit the scale of biofuel production when it comes to upscaling their use. The oil in their seeds is pressed out, filtered and converted to fuel using a chemical process. Another type of biofuel is biodiesel. There are several different types of biofuels: liquid biofuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel; solid biofuels like wood pellets, fuelwood, or animals waste; and biogas like landfill gas. Your email address will not be published. . Restored and gently maintained land will yield enough biomass for biofuel production at lower need for synthetic substances, such as pesticides or fungicides. Because biofuels can be produced from renewable resources, they bring less pollution to the planet. The development of a biofuels industry has great potential to stimulate economic development in rural areas with less job possibilities by creating new markets for crops and other agricultural products. Pure ethanol is difficult to vaporize meaning starting a car in cold weather could be more difficult that a car that runs on petrol. Examples include ancient people burning wood and branches to generate fire. April 2009. Web. But while different crops can become biodiesel through the same process, the resulting fuel can vary greatly in its ability to produce power. 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. Utilizing our garbage may help keep flora and fauna healthy, resulting in a healthier ecosystem. Advantages of incineration. For this and other reasons, perennials such as switchgrass and miscanthus have gained in popularity as feedstock for biofuels, as they leave much more ground cover after harvest for the prevention of soil loss. Farmers of corn, soybeans and cotton -- all potential biofuel sources -- are increasingly planting genetically modified versions of those plants [source: United States Department of Agriculture]. Likewise, the fertilizer, water and land required to produce enough biofuel to reduce fossil fuel consumption significantly can create other problems, ranging from increased pollution to decreased access to food. Gasoline is refined from crude oil, a non-renewable resource. The growth of all of these plants is better when fertilized. "E85 Vs Conventional Gasoline - Tech Knowledge." Biofuels - Some crops, like corn and sugar cane, can be converted into a biofuel called ethanol. 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. While the advantages of biomass energy are plenty, there are also some shortcomings, including: 1. Adjunct Professor, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota. Consequently, it makes sense to look for an unsaturated oil as a biofuel source. Feeding aquatic organisms from such contaminated water can lead to their death, as the oxygen in these waters is reduced and toxins are introduced into it. (Clear Guide) + PDF, How Does A Hydrogen Fuel Cell Work? It generates harmful emissions 2. The pure form (B100) can be employed as a fuel for vehicles but is commonly used as a diesel additive to reduce particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons in diesel vehicles. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Less garbage in landfills. So, it could be a threat to food security or access to adequate nutritious food for the population. Temperate zone plant biomass per hectare could be as high as 20 t. Switchgrass have reported yields up to 30 t ha 1. Let's start with one of the main arguments against the use of biofuels. Cellulosic biomas obtained from non-food sources, including trees and grasses, is also being developed as a raw material for ethanol production. Click to reveal Soil, groundwater and air pollution. High Cost of Production Even with all the benefits associated with biofuels, they are quite expensive to produce in the current market. Economic and environmental considerations, https://www.britannica.com/technology/biofuel, United States Environmental Protection Agency - Economics of Biofuels, biofuel - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Fossil fuels are non-renewable and release greenhouse gases during their combustion. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. The rise in demand for food-biofuel crops can have a positive effect for crop producers, in the form of higher prices for their produce. The heat, in turn, can be used to run generators in a power plant to produce electricity. Unfortunately, that image is also a sign of monoculture, an agricultural problem that could conceivably get much worse due to biofuels. The energy that is obtained from biofuels is known as bioenergy. Unfortunately, in some cases, it is more advantageous for farmers to decide in favor of biofuel crops over food crops, as they sell at higher prices and some monocrops may be easier to cultivate and harvest than diverse food crops. 2007. In the planning stage, it is important to carefully evaluate the potential impacts of different biofuel production methods and prefer practices that minimize negative environmental and economic impacts. Let's look at some of the drawbacks of biofuels and gain a new perspective on the fuels we may see more of in the future. Sugar Cane Until recently, sugar cane was the world's main source of ethanol, because of its prevalence in Brazil. When the plant biomass is burned, it releases this absorbed carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. Long-time monoculture farms have to use much more artificial fertilizer than their more sustainable peers, increasing water pollution. PhotoAlto/James Hardy/Getty Images "Biofuel" is a major buzzword in transportation circles these days, and for good reason. According to some estimates, expansion by Indonesian palm oil plantations caused the vast majority of that nation's deforestation in the late '80s and '90s. Hundreds and even thousands of hectares of unbroken acres of one crop are an irresistible destination for plant pests; pest groups can explode uncontrollably in this tempting environment. Horgan. Some of the disadvantages of biofuels apply mainly to low-diversity biofuel sourcescorn, soybeans, sugarcane, oil palmswhich are traditional agricultural crops. 100% Biodiesel is actually just as biodegradable as sugar and ten times less toxic when compared with table salt. We are going to describe these advantages in this section. Biofuel can be produced from plants or commercial, agricultural, domestic, or industrial wastes with a biological origin. Advantages of Biofuels. Compared to petroleum-based gasoline, ethanol is a less effective fuel. Disadvantages of Biofuels Despite the benefits, there are some disadvantages of biofuels that make the general population hesitant to use them. Anything that is local comes with an extra benefit. Most of the waste generated worldwide is biodegradable. Looking for Renewable Energy Device & Equipment Prices? "Biofuel" is a major buzzword in transportation circles these days, and for good reason. 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]. That's why Waste Management, Inc., has invested in a slew of such waste-to-energy companies, including Enerkem. The conversion from one fuel to the other, in some cases, requires a range of new injectors, gaskets and fuel lines. List of Disadvantages of Algae Biofuel. Many unsaturated oils have undesirable burn characteristics: They'll leave gummy residue in an engine when used as fuel. Lets explore the pros and cons of biofuels in order to better understand their future potential as our energy source. Their main perk is that they are produced from organic materials which replenish seasonally. Phosphorus has been implicated as a trigger of localized algae blooms: The tiny aquatic plants feed off it and rapidly reproduce, often killing other plants and aquatic animals by reducing the amount of oxygen in water or by releasing toxic chemicals. Biofuel is produced from renewable resources and relatively less-flammable than fossil diesel. The major disadvantage of fuel ethanol, however, is its production cost. But in cases that seem as much science fiction as they are scientific fact, genetically modified crops have accidentally developed unintended -- and sometimes dangerous -- traits. Feb. 5, 2007. They are found in liquid, solid or gas states. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. These differences in state at a given temperature come from the oils' molecular makeup. Some crops will grow better in certain areas and may not grow at all in other regions. . The symbols of agricultural success in many parts of the world are endless fields of corn, soybeans or wheat, with identical crops stretching as far as the eye can see. The reliability of biofuels as an energy source depends on a variety of factors, such as the feedstocks used, the production methods employed, and the end-use of the biofuels. Let us know if you liked this article. Most fossil fuels will expire one day. Biofuel production using food crops such as corn, soybeans and sorghum has the potential to alter drastically the world's access to affordable food. Corrections? Biofuel production boosts the demand for suitable biofuel products and strengthens the agriculture industry. Corn ethanol, for example, takes a great deal more energy to create than it creates itself when burned. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Biofuels. And while the range of oil-producing crops considered viable for biofuel production is wide enough to fit most growing zones, the most productive crops simply won't grow everywhere. According to studies, the levels of carbon dioxide emissions and particulate matter are reduced with biofuels, however, the nitrogen oxides are slightly higher than at fossil fuels [1]. Some of these chemicals, which are mostly related to the combustion of non-biomass materials in garbage, can be hazardous to people and the environment if they are not properly controlled. Utilization of Fertilizers 4. Numerous unsaturated oils have undesirable burn properties. Compared to fossil fuels, biofuels are considered to be a more environmentally friendly and sustainable energy source due to their renewability and lower emissions of greenhouse gases during burning. Monoculture refers to the practice of growing one heavily concentrated crop, rather than the rotation of various crops through a farmer's fields over time. What is Distributed Generation? The process creates a synthetic gas (syngas), which can then be used for a wide variety of applications. 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. "The Economics of Ethanol from Sweet Sorghum Using the MixAlco Process." The greenhouse emission potential of biofuel varies considerably, from levels comparable to fossil fuels in some situations to negative emissions in others. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Biofuels burn clean, emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases, and are entirely biodegradable. They cover the soil year-round, and support biodiversity of small soil fauna and mammals by providing nutrients. Engines designed to operate on biofuels produce lower emissions than other diesel engines. To begin a detailed discussion of this subject, the following are some of the recognised benefits and drawbacks of biofuels. In the end, making a fuel from garbage remains a promising opportunityas long as the waste is already divvied up into its own component parts, as is happening in Edmonton and at the Three Rivers landfill near Pontotoc, Miss. When fossil fuels burn, they produce large amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide. Also, It increases microbial growth in the engine, making the engine filters clogged. Overall, the reliability of biofuels as an energy source will depend on the specific circumstances of their production and use. June 12-13, 2003. Biofuels are a more. Biofuels are compatible with current engine designs and work very well in most conditions. In recent years, biofuel development and use has risen significantly. "Environmental Effects of Genetically Modified Food Crops -- Recent Experiences." Bioethanol is a type of alcohol produced by fermentation, often from carbohydrates made in sugar or starchy crops like corn, sugarcane, or sweet sorghum. 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. Biofuel does produce lower carbon emissions but their production does depend on water and oil. DISADVANTAGES OF BIOETHANOL 1. While both of these additives promote rapid and hearty growth in many crops, they have a downside. ", David Biello is a contributing editor at Scientific American. However, other biofuel crops, such as switchgrass and miscanthus, are considered to be low-input crops and need less pesticides. Under this vision, biofuel crops would remove carbon dioxide from the air as they grow, and energy facilities would capture the carbon dioxide given off as biofuels are burned to generate power. Biofuel production is currently equivalent to just a tiny fraction. Moreover, the crops that are grown to produce biomass absorb carbon dioxide which helps clean the air. And alcohol fuels (including ethanol) can corrode or damage some of the metal and rubber fittings used in gasoline-powered engines. Bioenergy is energy derived from any fuel that is originated from biomass. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a2e12d729352bd1 In the United States ethanol biofuel is made primarily from corn (maize) grain, and it is typically blended with gasoline to produce gasohol, a fuel that is 10 percent ethanol. While they can burn cleaner, producing synthetic fuels often causes just as much, if not more, pollution than traditional gasoline. Biofuel uses waste natural materials, and produces fewer emissions as a result. It contributes to deforestation 4. "Waste as a feedstock [for biofuels] has a number of advantages," says Enerkem's co-founder and chief technology officer Esteban Chornet, a former engineer at the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The benefits of biofuels compared to fossil fuels depend on a variety of factors that need to be considered when used on a large scale. The burning of biofuels generates fewer air pollutants than the burning of fossil fuels, which can improve air quality and public health. With the growth of the biofuel industry, more jobs will be created, which will help keep the economy secure. The problem is even worse for pure vegetable oil, used as fuel in so-called "greasecars." 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. Biofuel production may decrease the pesticide pollution if done sustainably and right, especially if perennial polycultures are involved. The second generation biofuels are produced from lignocellulosic, woody biomass, or agricultural waste. Increases Pollution in contrast to wind and solar 10. The widespread use of biofuels in daily operations requires different storage and handling equipment, engine modifications, and adapted fuel delivery systems. 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. In this regard, cellulosic biomass is considered to be more beneficial. 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. 1. Researchers are working to increase biofuel yields from weather-tolerant crops [source: Lau]. When biodiesel is utilized as a combustible fuel, the engine durability increases. 1. Discover world-changing science.
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