4.9 uses and applications of the anaerobic fermentation of biomass

biomass

the organic material from plants and animals; a renewable source of energy, containing stored energy from the sun and energy stored by plants via photosynthesis

biofuels

any fuel source derived from biomass, produced by anaerobic fermentation (eg. yeast) emitting ethanol

how biomass can be used for biofuel production (link to anaerobic fermentation)

• when yeast or bacteria is added to biomass material, the sugars are broken down to produce ethanol and carbon dioxide via anaerobic fermentation

• the ethanol is distilled to obtain a higher concentration of alcohol to reach the required purity for biofuel

• byproducts can be used as animal feed

applications and uses of biomass

• wood and agricultural products

• garbage waste

• landfill gas and biogas

• ethanol

• biodiesel

benefits and consequences of the use of biomass

benefits

• widely available renewable energy source

• carbon neutral

• cheaper than fossil fuels

• less garbage in landfills

consequences

• food vs fuel

• land requirements

• not as efficient as fossil fuels

• can lead to deforestation