Biomass Conversion: Biofuels

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Biomass Conversion Biofuels

• David Gale Meghan Kusper

• http//home.cc.umanitoba.ca/7Eumprystj/PLNT4600/m
  ini3/mini3.1_files/image007.jpg

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Biofuels

• Biofuels- obtained from biological matter.
• 80 renewable
• Example of biofuels vegetable oil, biodiesel,
  bioalcohols, bioethers, and biogas

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Goal of Biofuels

• The main goal of using biofuels is to replace
  fossil fuels.
• Reduce pollution of CO2 emissions

www.petrol-head.com/images/2007/07/24/traffic.jpg
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Making a Difference

• Reduces smog by 50
• 78 less carbon dioxide emissions
• 8 less sulfur oxide
• Lowers asthma and other lung disorders

http//www1.eere.energy.gov/biomass/images/biomass
_atp_enviro_ghemissions.gif
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How does biofuel work?

• Sustainable renewable resources abundant and
  available in the United States
• Made from plant oils, animal fats, and even
  recycled grease
• Works in conventional diesel engines

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_1.jpg
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Technological Obstacles

• Conversion of cellulose into fuel ethanol
• Conversion of existing plants to cellulose
  facilities

http//www.foocus.com/siteimages/Novelties/Warning
-Challenges.jpg
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Political/economical obstacles

• Cost of production is higher than petroleum
• No assured market for by-products of biofuel
  production
• Production requires a license
• Increased food prices
• Increased hunger, and rural unemployment
• Destruction of cultures of rural communities

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Negative environmental impacts

• Increases the use of fertilizers and pesticides
• Requires large scale monocultures of trees,
  sugarcane, corn, oilpalm, soy and other crops
• Destruction of watersheds and pollution of
  rivers, lakes, and streams
• The use of GMOs is risky

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Bibliography

• http//www.biodieselsustainability.org/
• http//home.cc.umanitoba.ca/7Eumprystj/PLNT4600/m
  ini3/mini3.1_files/image007.jpg
• http//www.alternative-energy-news.info/technology
  /biofuels/
• http//www.biofuelus.com/biofuel/biodiesel/biodies
  el-impact-on-the-environment.php
• http//www.energybulletin.net/node/21845