APES Topic 6.7: Energy from Biomass

Objective

• Describe the environmental effects of using biomass as an energy source.
• Practice skill: Describing responses or solutions to an environmental issue.

Biomass vs. Biofuels

• Biomass

  • Organic matter like wood, charcoal, dried animal waste.
  • Primarily used in developing nations for heating and cooking.
  • Easy to harvest, often free or inexpensive.
  • Rarely used for electricity due to low energy density and extensive time required for gathering.

• Biofuels

  • Liquid fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel.
  • Created from biomass like corn, sugar cane, or palm plants.
  • Used as supplements or replacements for gasoline.

Modern vs. Fossil Carbon

• Biomass Burning
  • Releases carbon dioxide but is considered carbon neutral.
  • Involves releasing modern carbon, which was recently in the atmosphere.
  • Does not add new carbon compared to burning fossil fuels which release fossil carbon.

Environmental and Health Consequences

• Biomass Burning
  • Releases carbon monoxide, NOx, particulate matter, and VOCs.
  • Causes respiratory issues, especially when fires are indoors.
  • Leads to deforestation, habitat loss, and soil erosion.
  • Releases air pollutants contributing to smog.

Biofuels Production

• Ethanol

  • Produced by fermenting corn or sugar cane.
  • Ethanol mixed with gasoline (e.g. E85/flex fuel).
  • Renewable but sustainability depends on agricultural practices.
  • Environmental consequences include soil erosion, habitat loss, greenhouse gas emissions.

• Algae as Biofuel Source

  • Sustainable option for bioethanol and biodiesel.
  • Can be grown and harvested with less environmental impact.

Biodiesel

• Produced from plant oils, no fermentation required.
• Majorly produced from palm plants.
• Can produce more greenhouse gases than fossil fuels due to deforestation.
• Still considered renewable but not necessarily sustainable.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

• Sustainability depends on agricultural practices.
• Biodiesels have a different impact on carbon levels compared to fossil fuels.
• Algae presents a more sustainable alternative for biofuel production, reducing some environmental impacts like habitat destruction and soil erosion.

Practice FRQ 6.7

• Explain why biodiesel fuels have a different effect on atmospheric carbon levels than fossil fuels.
• Describe two environmental benefits of using algae for biofuel production rather than corn or palm oil.