BSC1005-Disc9
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Topic-Discussion9-Biofuels.pdf
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Discussion 9: Biofuels 40 40
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Directions: Identify a biofuel source and discuss advantages and
disadvantages to its use. While you may choose the same biofuel as
someone else, for full credit the content of your discussion post must be
unique to your classmates.
Submission: After you have posted your initial post, read and respond to
two or more of your classmates' posts. Be sure to make substantive and
constructive comments (just posting “nice post” doesn’t count). For
example, add something from your own experience, something you’ve read
or seen. If the situation calls for it, feel free to state an opinion, but be sure
to state any points with which you agree and/or those with which you
disagree, as well as your reasons for agreeing or disagreeing.
Grading: This discussion is worth 30 points and will be graded using
the Discussion Rubric. Pease use it as a guide toward successful completion
of this assignment.
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8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 1 of 31
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Robin Patterson (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/148704)
Jul 21, 2023
Biofuel is used to describe the energy that is born as a result of the
breakdown of materials from both animal and plants. Ethanol is one of
the most common types of biofuels in use today. It is made from various
plant materials known as biomass. Most ethanol is made from a mixture
of plant sugar and plant starches, most often corn starch. Other
technologies are being researched to make ethanol such as cellulose
from a plant which is the non-edible bulk of a plant such as the fibrous
parts. Ethanol is often blended with gasoline to cut down on emissions
but increase octane. Unrelated to fuel but a interesting fact is that
ethanol is also used for the production of alcoholic beverages.
An advantage to ethanol is that it is derived from plant waste and it
requires less fossil fuel energy in its production. Another benefit is that it
lowers gas emission that contribute to a reduction in dangerous
greenhouse gases. A disadvantage to ethanol is that it requires vast
pieces of land to produce the crops from which it is made. Another
disadvantage is that the distillation process requires a lot of heat energy
that is mostly derived from fossil fuels therefore contributes to the
greenhouse gases. It is hard to say with this information if the reduction
in one area versus the contribution in another is actually worth the effort.
One of the articles that I read had 10 advantages and 5 disadvantages,
with that in mind it still seems like a worthwhile effort.
https://www.energy.gov/eere/bioenergy/biofuel-
basics#:~:text=The%20two%20most%20common%20types,first%
20generation%20of%20biofuel%20technology.&text=The%20Bioe
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 2 of 31
20generation%20of%20biofuel%20technology.&text=The%20Bioe
nergy%20Technologies%20Office%20(BETO,%2C%20and%20alga
e%2Dbased%20resources
(https://www.energy.gov/eere/bioenergy/biofuel-
basics#:~:text=The%20two%20most%20common%20types,first%20genera
tion%20of%20biofuel%20technology.&text=The%20Bioenergy%20Technol
ogies%20Office%20(BETO,%2C%20and%20algae%2Dbased%20resources)
.
https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/ethanol_fuel_basics.html
(https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/ethanol_fuel_basics.html)
https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/ethanol-fuel.php
(https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/ethanol-fuel.php)
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Jomer Ibarreta (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/26650)
Jul 21, 2023
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 3 of 31
Thank you for a great discussion. I would like to share about
bioethanol also. Renewable corn, sugar cane, and wheat are used to
make bioethanol. It fuels cars and generates renewable energy.
Ethanol is cheaper, renewable, more energy-efficient, and emits less
pollution than other biofuels. However, it may raise food prices, soil
erosion, and ethanol production water use. Ethanol has a lower
energy density than petroleum fuels, therefore it takes more to get
the same energy.
Source:: "Bioethanol." EIA - Renewable & Alternative Fuels, U.S.
Energy Information Administration,
www.eia.gov/renewable/backgrounders/bioethanol.php. Accessed 7
July 2020
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Corbin Miller (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/54253)
Jul 23, 2023
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 4 of 31
Hello Robin,
I agree that ethanol although better for the environment when it is
burning, is it worth the draw back from the environmental impact of
having to clear big pieces of land. Not many people add in the draw
back from the manufacturing process when arguing the positive
effects of biofuels. In previous work I had to deal with the effects of
ethanol on older style internal combustion motors which do not mix
well so even then there needs to be more research and development
into the future on our vehicles to be able to withstand ethanol to use
as a reliable source of fuel.
Great discussion!
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/142506)
Ashley Burris (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/142506)
Jul 23, 2023
Hi Robin!
I was intrigued by your "fun fact", " Unrelated to fuel but an
interesting fact is that ethanol is also used for the production of
alcoholic beverages." You are absolutely correct! This led me down a
rabbit hole where I found that ethanol has 4 types: ethyl (used in
alcohol), methyl, propyl, and butyl. The last 3 are actually very
dangerous and if consumed even in small doses can lead to
blindness or death.
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8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 5 of 31
Eliana Curry (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/148561)
Jul 24, 2023
Hello Robin, great post!
I love how you explained the benefits of ethanol. I wanted to add that
some benefits of ethanol include reduced greenhouse gas emissions,
increased energy security, and job creation. Ethanol is a renewable
resource that can be produced from various feedstocks, such as corn,
sugarcane, and cellulosic materials which is better for the
environment (as you explained) .
Thanks
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Tiara Taylor (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/13719)
Jul 31, 2023
Hi Robin,
Great how you had it flow and every sentence went right to the next
one. It was interesting to know and learn more when you mentioned
that a disadvantage to ethanol is that it requires vast pieces of land
to produce the crops from which it is made. That was something not
known to myself and something that I will research more on as I am
curious does this affect animals in any way and if so, what is done to
where it doesn't affect them. Amazing post.
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 6 of 31
Reply
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/26650)
Jomer Ibarreta (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/26650)
Jul 21, 2023
Biofuel comes from wood, grain, or vegetable oils. Biodiesel, made from
rapeseed or soybean oil, is a biofuel. Biodiesel offers a better cetane
rating, lower emissions, and is renewable. Biodiesel costs more and may
require more maintenance than other fuels. Its shorter shelf life makes it
harder to store and transport. Before switching to biodiesel, examine its
downsides.
Source: "Biodiesel." "Biofuels." Energy Information Administration, U.S.
Department of Energy, www.eia.gov/energyexplained/biofuels/
(http://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/biofuels/) .
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/54253)
Corbin Miller (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/54253)
Jul 23, 2023
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 7 of 31
Reply
Hello Jomer,
I also did Biodiesel as I think it would be extremely impactful for a
fuel that is used so much to be replaced with a cleaner burning fuel.
It is hard to argue that this is the fuel of the future with such limiting
drawbacks but with more research this could be a way to a cleaner
future. It also seems that where biodiesel is derived from is very
abundant which is very helpful as well.
Great discussion!
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/137316)
Alexis Clements (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/137316)
Aug 3, 2023
Hello Jomer,
Thank you for your response to this discussion board. I found this
post to be very interesting and informative. I also agree with Corbin's
response as well. These are significant disadvantages, and it will be
very interesting to see if these disadvantages can be overcame.
Again great response, and I enjoyed reading it.
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/54253)
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 8 of 31
Corbin Miller (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/54253)
Jul 23, 2023
A biofuel is a fuel that is made up from living substances such as plants.
These biofuels are meant to help replace fossil fuels to help cut the
emission impact from internal combustion motors. A big example of this
is biodiesel. Biodiesel is impactful to this in that diesel is the fuel of all
of our semi trucks to help ship goods and materials all around the
country. With that it is shown that the environmental impact of so many
diesel semi trucks is big and they are always going. It is shown though
that modern day diesels do burn cleaner than previous decades ago but
adding a cleaner burning fuel will help out even more. Biodiesel is a
renewable fuel that is comprised of vegetable oils, animal fats and even
recycled restaurant grease. These sources in which the biodiesel comes
from are very abundant as well as does not need to harm the
environment in ways oil drilling does to obtain the fuel. This fuel is also
biodegradable which is a plus considering the harmful effects that
normal fossil fuels can have on the environment during a spill or
accident. Although this fuel seems like it is ready to replace diesel all
together as it seems all positive but there comes some drawbacks with it.
Biodiesel does not perform the same as diesel especially in a colder
environment so it is common still to add a blend of diesel to the
biodiesel to help make up loses in the biodiesel. This form of fuel seems
to be the way of the future but more research will be needed to be done
in order to find independence from any blends of fossil fuels.
Biodiesel Fuel Basics. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Biodiesel Fuel
Basics. (n.d.). https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/biodiesel_basics.html
(https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/biodiesel_basics.html)
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 9 of 31
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Ashley Burris (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/142506)
Jul 23, 2023
Hi Corbin!
I found your post to be very informative and interesting! I looked a
little further into biodiesel and found that not only is it nontoxic, but it
is also nonflammable and biodegradable. I found your statement,
"Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that is comprised of vegetable oils,
animal fats, and even recycled restaurant grease." to be intriguing as
I have heard of people checking in with restaurants for their old
grease for their vehicles. I have always found that so intriguing!
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/148561)
Eliana Curry (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/148561)
Jul 24, 2023
Hello Corbin, nice post! I like how you talked about the benefits of
biodiesel and the potential drawbacks. I agree with you. Some
potential drawbacks of biodiesel include increased food prices, land
use concerns, and water usage. The production of biodiesel requires
large amounts of land, which can lead to deforestation and habitat
destruction.
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Heidi Street (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/136481)
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 10 of 31
Reply
Aug 3, 2023
Corbin,
This was explained so clearly. In addition to all of the great
advantages you mentioned, Biodiesel has higher lubricating
properties compared to petrodiesel, which can contribute to better
engine performance and longevity!
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Alexis Clements (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/137316)
Aug 3, 2023
Hello Corbin,
Thank you for your contribution to this discussion board. I came to
read your original post after seeing your response under another post
also done on biofuel. This post expanded my knowledge on the
subject even more. Great job with this post and great research.
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Ashley Burris (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/142506)
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 11 of 31
Jul 23, 2023
I found corn to be the most interesting biofuel source! Why? Well, corn
alone for the human body is beneficial as it is high in Vitamin C and has
been studied as a food that can help ward off diseases like cancer and
heart disease. I find this ironic as corn is very difficult for the body to
break down before it is passed. On the biofuel side, corn has a high
starch content and is comparatively easy to convert to ethanol. Research
also shows that corn has been able to reduce the carbon footprint and
diminish greenhouse gasses. Fun Fact! It takes roughly 20 pounds of
field corn to produce 1 gallon of ethanol. This fun fact is also a
disadvantage of this biofuel as a lot of land is required to grow this crop
to produce enough ethanol.
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Brooklyn Rossi (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/24335)
Jul 24, 2023
I think ethanol is an great idea for biofuel, but I can see how it would
be problematic in how much corn it takes to produce it. Even with the
advancements we have in GMOs creating bigger faster crops, we still
have millions of starving people around the world. This is not to say I
think it should be discounted. I believe further work with it could lead
to the development of a more effective way of getting more energy
with less corn.
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8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 12 of 31
Reply
Bonni Haber (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/107427)
Jul 24, 2023
Ashley, I remember when I first learned that corn turns to sugar in
your body and I was so mad! It (was) my favorite vegetable! Not only
this disadvantage and the fact that it takes up so much land space
but simply just that it has become so modified away from its original
make up that it worries me what the long term effects on our body
would be. I've pretty much given up corn, as much as possible. Great
post!
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Eliana Curry (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/148561)
Jul 24, 2023
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 13 of 31
Hello all,one biofuel source is soybean biodiesel. Advantages include
reduced greenhouse gas emissions, renewable resource, and increased
energy security. Soybean biodiesel can be produced domestically,
reducing the need for foreign oil. Additionally, soybean biodiesel can be
used in existing diesel engines without major modifications, making it a
convenient alternative to traditional diesel fuel.
Disadvantages of soybean biodiesel include increased food prices and
land use concerns. The production of soybean biodiesel requires large
amounts of land, which can lead to deforestation and habitat destruction.
Additionally, the use of soybean crops for fuel production can lead to
higher food prices, as less land is available for growing food crops. Finally,
the production process for soybean biodiesel requires large amounts of
water, which can contribute to water scarcity in certain regions.
Thanks
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Eliana Curry (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/148561)
Jul 24, 2023
Sources:
https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/biodiesel_benefits.html
(https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/biodiesel_benefits.html)
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Bonni Haber (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/107427)
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 14 of 31
Reply
Jul 24, 2023
Eliana, it seems that many of these can all increase food prices and
land use prices. You'd think we would work on something to
DECREASE these issues! I also didn't think about the water scarcity
this is all causing. Wild. Good post!
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Brooklyn Rossi (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/24335)
Jul 24, 2023
Very often, we are so concerned with replacing a non-renewable
resource with a renewable one we don’t think of the other
consequences. Biodiesel would be a replacement for some fossil fuels
but tit would have an impact on the water which is also not renewable.
When thinking about any alternatives, we must understand all have a
give and take.
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Brooklyn Rossi (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/24335)
Jul 24, 2023
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 15 of 31
Biogas is a fascinating type of biofuel that I have decided to explore.
Biogas is a renewable source of energy which is derived from the break
down process of organic material. The mixture contains CO2, methane,
and a smaller combination of other gases. These gases are produced by
anaerobic digestion which is when bacteria breaks down organic maters.
This organic matter usually comes from manure, decaying plants, or
sewage. Europe is the larges producer of biogas as of right now.
Bioenergy can be used to produce electricity and heat. In the past it has
been used for many things in its long history of utilization by humans.
Even in the1890's, Joseph Edmond Webb was able to utilize the sewer
system to power lamps in London. This form of energy will always be
around as there will always be waste and organisms to breakdown said
waste. It is definitely a form of renewable energy that we should research
into further.
Iea. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/reports/outlook-for-biogas-
and-biomethane-prospects-for-organic-growth/an-introduction-to-
biogas-and-biomethane
(N.d.-a). Retrieved from
https://www.xenophon.org.uk/historywebblampco.html
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Brooklyn Rossi (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/24335)
Jul 24, 2023
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 16 of 31
I made the mistake of posting this without listing the disadvantages.
The disadvantage of biogas is that we do not currently have a
efficient way of producing this biofuel. It needs a lot of space and
time to create. It also has impurities that could lead to corrosion if
utilized with certain things. This would mean things like cars and
other vehicles would be damaged over time with its usage.
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Robin Patterson (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/148704)
Jul 24, 2023
Hi Brooklyn,
It always amazes me that some of these so-called technologies have
existed for hundreds or even thousands of years like you pointed out
with Joseph Webb. Fundamentally, energy can be made by many
means however it seems the technologies to harness that energy is
where we are struggling. Especially, in keeping the costs down. A
cleaner environment should be everyone's goal but if you cannot
afford to feed or house your family it is a problem.
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Beyonce Miranda-Gomez (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/129249)
Jul 28, 2023
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 17 of 31
Reply
Hello Brooklyn, thank you for your post. I noticed your post mainly for
the chemistry you decided to include in your description of biogas
and I find it very fitting for the class. I definitely think that was a
great and smart addition to your post and it really tied it all together!
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/107427)
Bonni Haber (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/107427)
Jul 24, 2023
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 18 of 31
Biofuel is a fuel produced from biomass. It is beneficial because it can
be produced in a shorter amount of time than fossil fuels. Ethanol is a
form of biofuel and is the most common biofuel in the world. The process
uses digestive enzymes to release sugars from starch. Then ferment the
sugar, distill it and dry it. Ethanol is a domestically produced and
renewable fuel made most commonly from corn. Ethanol is added to
gasoline to oxygenate the fuel and help reduce air pollution. Ethanol is
also more cost effective compared to other fuels. Ethanol has tons of
advantages, but it also has lots of disadvantages which seems to be the
common theme for energy sources. Ethanol requires large pieces of land
to grow the crops needed to produce the fuel. The process of making
ethanol is bad for the environment because it uses a lot of fossil fuels.
With the increased want and need for ethanol increases so will corn. This
can spike the cost of corn which can affect farm animals that eat corn.
This could cause the cost of the steak on your dinner table to go up and
no one wants that!
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Robin Patterson (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/148704)
Jul 24, 2023
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 19 of 31
Hi Bonni,
As you pointed out, all of these developments that are supposedly
better for the environment also cause harm to the environment. With
the real concern of prices going up on certain products like corn I
wonder it if is even worth it. In regard to land, there is so much land
now being used for solar towers to produce energy I am not sure
where there would be more land for harvesting crops such as corn.
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Beyonce Miranda-Gomez (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/129249)
Jul 28, 2023
Hello Bonni, thank you for enlightening post. Since ethanol is the
most used biofuel in the world, it is great to know of its positives and
negatives that contribute into the process. I too seem to have notice
how every energy source, specifically biofuel, has a great amount of
disadvantages as well as advantage, it makes me wonder if there are
any other supporting resources in place to manage all of those
disadvantages.
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/139670)
Brianna Neeley (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/139670)
Jul 29, 2023
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 20 of 31
Reply
Hi Bonnie! Learning this is amazing. I recall seeing ethanol quite a
lot at gas stations all across Florida. So to know that there is so much
work that is put in to create this biofuel is fascinating.
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Beyonce Miranda-Gomez (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/129249)
Jul 28, 2023
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 21 of 31
Biofuel is described as energy from natural materials, one of those
materials include wood. To give an example, a specific type of biofuel
gives our cars energy to continue to move, this is the great amount of
energy biofuel produces. Wood is an example of the most basic forms of
biofuels derived from organic matter. However, just because it is organic,
means that it is 'clean.' One of the top disadvantages of using wood as a
biofuel is the unclean 'energy' it produces and lets out into the air when it
is burned. Which leads to the second and most tragic disadvantage of
biofuel, deforestation. Having to use wood as an energy source for the
world does mean having to cut down a great amount of trees in order to
produce a great amount of energy. Deforestation does actually lead to
unclean hair since it is the photosynthesis and oxygen trees produce that
leads to a healthy environment. Also, deforestation is also responsible for
10% of the global warming issues we are currently living in today. One of
the pros of using Wood as a biofuel is that it is a renewable resource and
reliable.
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Brianna Neeley (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/139670)
Jul 29, 2023
Great post Beyonce! Wood is a classic energy source that has been
used for ages. I hope as our society evolves and grows, that our wood
source in numbers can also catch up with us.
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Heidi Street (She/Her)
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 22 of 31
Reply
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/136481)
Aug 3, 2023
Beyonce,
I like the way you mentioned that just because something is organic
does not mean it is clean! If we could find a sustainable cycle of
planting, harvesting and replanting trees, we could begin to mitigate
global warming.
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Brianna Neeley (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/139670)
Jul 29, 2023
Biogas - A methane derived from animal manure and other digested organic
material.
Advantages-
Cheaper technology:
Biogas plants require very little installation cost and become self-sufficient in a
span of 3-4 months.
Non-polluting:
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 23 of 31
Biogas burns without smoke; hence no harmful gas such as CO , CO, NO , and
SO are evolved.
Reduces Landfills:
The slurry produced after the production of biogas is used as manure in
fields. The method of disposal is safe and efficient and hence no space is wasted
in the form of landfills.
Disadvantages-
Not efficient enough on a large scale basis:
Since it is difficult to enhance the efficiency of biogas, it is not economically
viable to use biogas on a large scale.
Contains impurities:
It contains many impurities that are difficult to control even after purification
rounds. Biogas when compressed, to be used as fuel, proves to be highly corrosive
to the container
Unstable and hazardous:
When methane comes in contact with oxygen, it reacts violently to produce
carbon dioxide. The highly inflammable nature of methane makes it prone to
explosions.
2 2
2
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Tiara Taylor (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/13719)
Jul 31, 2023
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 24 of 31
Reply
Hi Brianna,
Thank you for sharing this. Learning that Biogas is derived from
animal manure and that some of the advantages are they require very
little installation and can become self-sufficient was definitely
something I did not know. One thing that you mentioned that I didn't
know at all was that it burns without smoke. It's fascinating to learn
all of these different things, oftentimes we don' t even realize they are
important and play a role in the way that we live, and do most things.
Nice post.
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/13719)Tiara Taylor (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/13719)
Jul 31, 2023
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 25 of 31
Reply
Biodiesel is a type of biofuel that is made from vegetable oils or animal
fats. It can be used in diesel engines without any modifications, and it
produces fewer emissions than petroleum diesel. Some of the
advantages would be it is renewable, meaning that it can be produced
from crops that can be grown again, it’s biodegradable, meaning that it
breaks down in the environment without harming it, and it produces
fewer emissions than petroleum diesel, including particulate matter,
sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. Some of the disadvantages of
biodiesel would consist of biodiesel is more expensive than petroleum
diesel, it can gel in chilly weather, making it difficult to use and lastly,
biodiesel can be corrosive to some materials, such as rubber and plastic.
Overall, biodiesel is a promising biofuel source that has a few
advantages over petroleum diesel.
https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/advantages-and-
disadvantages-of-biofuels.php (https://www.conserve-energy-
future.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-biofuels.php)
https://greentumble.com/biofuels-pros-and-cons
(https://greentumble.com/biofuels-pros-and-cons)
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/136481)
Heidi Street (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/136481)
Aug 3, 2023
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 26 of 31
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Algae are a unique and promising biofuel source that has gained
attention due to its high potential for sustainable and efficient fuel
production. Algae can be used to produce biodiesel, biogas, and other
valuable products.
Advantages of algae as a biofuel source are that is replenishes quickly,
can be used for waste treatment and its high oil content. Disadvantages
of algae as a biofuel source are its high production costs, water
requirements and large scale cultivation can impact ecosystems.
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/113155)
Cori Perry (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/113155)
Monday
I never knew this about algae. What a great source and there is so
much of it out there! How is it prepped or prepared that makes it so
expensive?
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/137316)
Alexis Clements (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/137316)
Aug 3, 2023
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 27 of 31
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Biogasoline is a type of gasoline produced from biomass. Biogasoline is
a type off biofuel produced from various organic materials, such as
agricultural waster, algae, or cellulosic biomass. Some advantages to this
biofuel would be lower greenhouse gas emission. renewable resources,
and waste management. Some disadvantages to this biofuel would be
water consumption, limited availability, and technical challenges.
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/113155)Cori Perry (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/113155)
Monday
Biodiesel is a liquid fuel produced from renewable sources, such as new
and used vegetable oils and animal fats and is a cleaner-burning
replacement for petroleum-based diesel fuel. Biodiesel is nontoxic and
biodegradable and is produced by combining alcohol with vegetable oil,
animal fat, or recycled cooking grease. Biodiesel is used to fuel diesel
engines. Biodiesel can be blended with petroleum diesel in any
percentage, including B100 (pure biodiesel) and, the most common
blend, B20 (a blend containing 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum
diesel).
One of the big conveniences that come with a regular diesel engine is
that they can run on the biodiesel fuel without any changes. Most new
diesel cars are built so that they can work with up to a certain biodiesel
rating. For instance, many Honda diesel engines will work with a B5
biodiesel. Volkswagen is one of the only manufacturers right now that will
allow their customers to use biodiesel fuels without voiding their
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 28 of 31
Reply
allow their customers to use biodiesel fuels without voiding their
warranty. Some diesel vehicles do require a more sophisticated fuel filter
to handle any contaminants that may be present in biodiesel recycled
from food services.
Biodiesel fuel is safe in various ways. First, it is a nontoxic substance, as
well as being biodegradable. It is also safe in that transport is quick and
easy. Compared to gasoline emissions, biodiesel emissions are much
less. This means that biodiesel is less harmful to our environment.
Biodiesel fuel does not need a new diesel engine, it can be run in any
standard diesel engine already in cars.
There are, however, some drawbacks to using biodiesel fuel. Biodiesel
does not hold as much power when compared to regular diesel or
gasoline-based fuels. This results in a loss of power, and it is pretty
significant. Biodiesel is about ten percent less powerful. Even though a
regular diesel engine can run biodiesel, that does not mean that it is
ideal. It may cause problems since it is equipped to run on petroleum
diesel and not biodiesel. To store biodiesel over a long period of time
could also create problems. As it sits, it can become thicker, which can in
turn cause clogs in the fuel filters, as well as corrosion.
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/137133)
Claudia Huerta (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/137133)
1:19pm
Corn ethanol is a biofuel source that is produced by fermenting the sugars
8/11/23, 6:34 PM Page 29 of 31
Corn ethanol is a biofuel source that is produced by fermenting the sugars present in corn crops and converting them into ethanol. It has gained attention as a potential alternative to fossil fuels due to several advantages.
One major advantage of corn ethanol is that it is derived from a renewable resource. Corn can be grown annually, making it a sustainable source of fuel. Additionally, the production of corn can be managed using responsible agricultural practices, minimizing the environmental impact.
Another advantage is that corn ethanol contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. When compared to fossil fuels, corn ethanol generally produces fewer net emissions of carbon dioxide, as the CO2 released during its combustion is approximately equivalent to the amount absorbed by the corn plants during their growth. This makes corn ethanol a potentially more environmentally friendly fuel option.
Corn ethanol also offers the benefit of domestic energy production. By relying on corn ethanol as a fuel source, countries can reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels, which can have economic and geopolitical advantages. Additionally, the production of corn ethanol can stimulate rural economies by creating jobs in agriculture, manufacturing, and related industries, supporting local communities.
However, there are also some disadvantages associated with corn ethanol as a biofuel source. One concern is the impact on land use and the environment. Large-scale cultivation of corn for ethanol production can lead to increased land use, which may result in deforestation and habitat destruction. This can have negative consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Another issue is the high energy and water input required for corn ethanol production. Growing corn crops, fertilizing them, and processing them into ethanol demand significant amounts of energy and water resources. This raises concerns about the overall energy balance and the sustainability of corn ethanol production.
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corn ethanol production.
Furthermore, the use of corn for ethanol production can create competition with the food supply. Diverting corn crops to fuel production may affect food prices and availability, potentially exacerbating food insecurity, especially in regions where corn is a staple food.
Lastly, corn ethanol has limited energy efficiency. The energy output from corn ethanol as a fuel is lower compared to the energy input required for its production. This reduced energy efficiency can limit the net energy gain from corn ethanol and raise questions about its overall viability as a sustainable and efficient biofuel.
In conclusion, corn ethanol as a biofuel source offers advantages such as renewability, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, domestic energy production, and economic benefits. However, it also presents challenges related to land use, environmental impact, energy and water input, competition with food supply, and limited energy efficiency. Careful consideration of these factors is essential when evaluating the sustainability and feasibility of corn ethanol as a biofuel option.
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