Drivers of vehicles using these fuels often have heating units installed to keep the fuel tank and lines free from gelled fuel, or install dual-fuel systems that flush the engine with petroleum diesel on start-up and shut-down. So, it could be a threat to food security or access to adequate nutritious food for the population. What are the disadvantages of biofuels? The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Industry researchers had found an answer in palm oil, a relatively easy-to-produce biofuel source. 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. Which brings us to the second advantage. It causes air pollution 3. 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. Think about the oils in your kitchen: While the olive oil in the cupboard is easy to pour, the lard and vegetable shortening have a paste-like consistency. Add other resource costs into the equation, such as the gallons of fresh water needed to grow the plants and the amount of fertilizer needed to keep them healthy, and it becomes even harder to equate biofuel with real energy and carbon emission savings. 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]. Other biofuel crops, such as switchgrass and miscanthus, are considered to be more water-efficient and need less water for irrigation. Partial combustion is a fuel-burning with insufficient oxygen to convert the biomass entirely to carbon dioxide and water. "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. Uses land that could be used to grow food. Horgan. Biofuels are compatible with current engine designs and work very well in most conditions. Biofuels burn clean, emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases, and are entirely biodegradable. If farmers are incentivized to plant crops that are not well suited for the location, they may end up needing more water than any other crops would. This is a great news for sustainable future planning since the use of biofuels is in agreement with the development of a circular economy by closing the loop on resource use. 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. These fossil fuel stores are practically finite. The molecular bonds in oils low in saturated fats, which stay liquid at lower temperatures, vary from those high in saturated fats, which often form solids in average temperature ranges. Fueling homes, businesses, and vehicles with biofuels are less expensive compared to fossil fuels. The liquid biofuel in greatest production is ethanol (ethyl alcohol), which is made by fermenting starch or sugar. A prime example of this occurred in the early 2000s. An unfortunate disadvantage of biogas today is that the systems used in the production of biogas are not efficient. 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. 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. Algae has the same concerns of monoculture that the agriculture industry experiences. (2022 Guideline). Additionally, the cost of biofuels is affected by government policies and subsidies. 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. According to the report of RFA (Renewable Fuels Association) in February 2019, ethanol is the highest-octane and the least expensive motor fuel on earth. The Indonesian palm oil problem is really a combination of biofuel's drawbacks. The character of biofuels when they are only produced from certain feedstocks, such as specific crops, like rapeseed, or certain waste materials, means that they may be in limited supply. Bioethanol is a type of alcohol produced by fermentation, often from carbohydrates made in sugar or starchy crops like corn, sugarcane, or sweet sorghum. 1. Additionally, they have a higher viscosity than fossil fuels, which can eventually lead to clogging or damage of fuel filters, injectors, and pumps. This difference has an effect on the oils' viability as fuel. Associate Professor of Engineering Systems and Atmospheric Chemistry, Engineering Systems Division and Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It generates harmful emissions 2. Less garbage in landfills. 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. For example, the density of corn-based ethanol is higher than gasoline; fuel injectors must be larger in an ethanol-only engine to suit the fuel flow of a comparable gasoline engine. The organic material that makes biofuels is made of carbon dioxide absorbed by plants from the atmosphere as they grew. 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. Biofuels refer to fuels made from plant materials. The amount of vegetable oil available in an acre of crops can vary widely, from 18 gallons per acre for corn to 635 gallons for oil palm [source: Journey to Forever]. 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. After all, a better harvest will lower prices and ensure there is enough corn or soybeans on hand to feed and provide the fuel to the world. The greenhouse emission potential of biofuel varies considerably, from levels comparable to fossil fuels in some situations to negative emissions in others. Lets have a look at the main advantages of biofuels over fossil fuels: Biofuels replenish over time, whereas fossil fuels are non-renewable and will eventually run out. Such a material is said to be carbon neutral. In practice, however, the industrial production of agricultural biofuels can result in additional emissions of greenhouse gases that may offset the benefits of using a renewable fuel. 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. University of Minnesota. Biofuels are made from a wide range of materials. Biofuels Advantages and Disadvantages in 2022. Sugar Cane Until recently, sugar cane was the world's main source of ethanol, because of its prevalence in Brazil. By burning solid waste, the amount of garbage dumped in landfills is reduced by 60 to 90 percent, and reduces the cost of landfill disposal and amount of land required for landfill. Moisture is more likely to be absorbed by biofuels than fossil diesel, which causes problems in cold weather. With the growth of the biofuel industry, more jobs will be created, which will help keep the economy secure. The pure form of ethanol (E100) can be used as a fuel for vehicles, but it is usually applied as an additive to gasoline to increase octane and enhance vehicle emissions. 2. Many critics express concerns about the scope of the expansion of certain biofuels because of the economic and environmental costs associated with the refining process and the potential removal of vast areas of arable land from food production. Common fertilizers include nitrogen and phosphorus. Biofuels Disadvantages There are some complicating aspects about disadvantages of biofuels that we should look at. And alcohol fuels (including ethanol) can corrode or damage some of the metal and rubber fittings used in gasoline-powered engines. 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. Given all the negative effects, ethanol which is derived from crops does not make economical sense as a mainstream biofuel. This is a serious contra argument to consider especially with climate change already shifting our ability to grow crops in certain areas. 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. The development of a biofuels industry can have both positive and negative economic impacts, depending on the specific circumstances. 167.99.130.146 Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. That's why Waste Management, Inc., has invested in a slew of such waste-to-energy companies, including Enerkem. Additionally, the amount of water used in biofuel production is also affected by the specific farming practices used. Biomass production uses a lot of water 5. But we must realize that nothing in life is straightforward and applicable to all situations. Because biofuels can be produced from renewable resources, they bring less pollution to the planet. If you live in Zone 5, for example, you will likely have trouble growing a plant that requires the long growing season and high heat of Zone 10 [source: Burpee]. 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? (Jan. 14, 2011)http://www.springerlink.com/content/r1552355771656v0/, Rosen, C.J. Biodiesel, that is produced from animal fats or vegetable oils, can be used as a replacement for diesel fuel in heavy-duty work vehicles like trucks or buses. Some long-exploited biofuels, such as wood, can be used directly as a raw material that is burned to produce heat. With the removal of impurities from biogas, biomethane is produced. When the engine is running, the differences in combustion features between gasoline and ethanol means that the ethanol-converted engine needs to adjust its ignition timing to work correctly. Because of the higher gel point of many biodiesel producing oils than petroleum, it is difficult, if not impossible, to start a biodiesel engine in cold weather. Purdue Extension. Continue reading with a Scientific American subscription. Biofuels have some advantages over their counterparts. Biofuel production boosts the demand for suitable biofuel products and strengthens the agriculture industry. There are a few potential negative effects of biofuels on the environment and economy that need to be considered when forming an opinion about their use in the future. Its application in transport industry would cut a big part of the air pollution originating from this growing industry [2]. 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. Utilization of Fertilizers 4. Thankfully, it didn't sell well, so few fields were planted with it. Enerkem takes the "fluff" of municipal solid wastethe plastics, textiles and wood that isn't recycled or the leftovers of agriculture or forestrygasifies it and, using catalysts and water, transforms the gas via multiple chemical steps into ethanol or other products. A Lack of Food 5. 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. Land use is also a major factor in evaluating the benefits of biofuels. This lessens the risk of respiratory illnesses due to reduced air pollution. True, a plant-based fuel comes from a renewable source, while fossil fuels will eventually run out. While technology may eventually narrow those ratios, the input-output energy ratio of modern biofuel production is a major drawback to its widespread use. Biofuel can be produced from plants or commercial, agricultural, domestic, or industrial wastes with a biological origin. Biofuels are less suitable for application in low temperatures. Additionally, biofuel production can also lead to changes in land use patterns, which can displace local communities and increase the cost of land. 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. You may think that biofuels are used mainly in transport, but thats not all. Brazil and the United States are among the leading producers of ethanol. Biofuel crops are no different from petunias or peppers in this regard. In the long term, this may lead to a decrease in food availability, nutritional quality of available foods, diversity of food crops, and possibly endanger food security. The production, distribution, and use of biofuels can create jobs in a variety of sectors that will support the production and use of this sustainable alternative. This lack of compatibility is one of the reasons that biofuels have not been widely adopted as a replacement for fossil fuels. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Biofuels. 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. The use of waste biomass to generate energy can decrease waste management problems, pollution, greenhouse gaseous emissions and the use of fossil fuels. Disadvantages of Biomass Energy This is an ethanol refinery. One obvious consideration is the gel, or clouding, point: A fuel that turns solid well above water's freezing point would not be very useful in a cold location. This undergraduate laboratory experiment educates students on the various alternative fuels that are being developed for automotive applications and the advantages and disadvantages of each. 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. Perhaps the simplest drawback of biofuels is that it is not petroleum-based fuel so that they will work differently in engines developed for petroleum-based fuel. This can lead to food insecurity in local communities and increase in food prices. Anything that is local comes with an extra benefit. Bioenergy is less expensive. It takes biomass and turns it into a clean-burning fuel. 10 Disadvantages of Biofuels By: Matt Cunningham Biofuels, made from crops such as corn, can have negative economic and environmental effects, as well as positive ones.
