Question

a)(3 marks) In analyzing the results of the class data, and reviewing the recommended literature, what do the results   suggest about the original question posed (i.e. is corn an efficient source biofuel)? Explain.

    b)(3 marks) List two other alternative biofuel sources currently in use. How does rate in comparison?

Wheat, wood

Answer 1

Q. is corn an efficient source biofuel)? Explain.

Answer-:By driving up the price of food and gas and causing costly engine damage, corn ethanol has been bad news for consumers. ... What's more, burning corn ethanol in gasoline releases more benzene, a known carcinogen, and other toxic air pollutants that have been linked to asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory ailments.

Corn ethenolis ethanol produced from corn biomass and is the main source of ethanol fuel in the United States. Corn ethanol is produced by ethanol fermentation and distillation. It is debatable whether the production and use of corn ethanol results in lower greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline. Approximately 25% of U.S. corn croplands are used for ethanol production

Corn ethanol results in lower greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline and is fully biodegradable, unlike some fuel additives such as MTBE. However, because energy to run many U.S. distilleries comes mainly from coal plants, there has been considerable debate on the sustainability of corn ethanol in replacing fossil fuels. Additional controversy relates to the large amount of arable land required for crops and its impact on grain supply and direct and indirect land use change effects. Other issues relate to pollution, water use for irrigation and processing, energy balance, and emission intensity for the full life cycle of ethanol production.