Fueling our way to Danger

Biofuel is the new alternative fuel source that the public has been talking non-stop about. This fuel source is derived from sources of biomass such as animal fat, soybeans, corn, and cellulosic materials being used to convert them all into ethanol or biodiesel. The wide variety of benefits from using such fuel source promises a world of renewable and clean energy source. Compared to fossil fuel, biofuels are much cheaper, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and are less likely to run out. However, through research and statistical analyses it is not worth to invest time or spend money in making such fuels. Using biofuels as an alternative fuel source raises many negative environmental effects, societal concerns as well as inefficient technological methods used to produce them.

Although the purpose of biofuels is to be cheaper and environmentally friendly, it is certainly not the case of other types of biofuels. For instance, creating biodiesel actually releases high levels of nitrogen oxides and peroxy-acetyl-nitrate when using fertilizers. This causes detrimental effects because nitrogen oxides deplete the ozone layer in the atmosphere. (Anslow,2007) Moreover, bioethanol can be considered an additive to petroleum fuel which therefore increases emissions up to 14 to 18% according to the study conducted by the California Air Quality Board. (Anslow,2007) Energy consumption is another problem faced when dealing with biofuels. When harvesting and separating algae, a filtration processed is used to remove unwanted water which then uses up energy.(Georgianna,2012) This is the same problem when dealing with bioethanol. Nitrate fertilizers in the US account 30% of energy consumption just to grow corn. Not only that but herbicides, machinery,...

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...for the next 15 to 30 years to repay the investment (Humber,2009)

In conclusion, biofuels should not be developed as an alternative energy source due to overwhelmingly negative expenses spent on the technology and the effects if has on the environment and society as a whole.

Works Cited

Georgianna, D. RyanMayfield, Stephen P. "Exploiting Diversity And Synthetic Biology For The Production Of Algal Biofuels." Nature 488.7411 (2012): 329. Advanced Placement Source. Web. 7 Apr. 2014.

Anslow, Mark. "Biofuels - Facts And Fiction." Ecologist 37.2 (2007): 34. Science Reference Center. Web. 7 Apr. 2014.

Huber, George W.Dale, Bruce E. "GRASSOLINE At The Pump. (Cover Story)." Scientific American 301.1 (2009): 52-59. Canadian Reference Centre. Web. 10 Apr. 2014.

The Economist. "What Happened to Biofuels?." The Economist 7 Sept. 2013: n. pag. The Ecnomist. Web. 10 Apr. 2014.