Fuel prices have been fluctuating lately and alternative fuel sources are becoming very important to society. The decreasing amount of oil stock worldwide, plus environmental issues have increased the priority for the development of alternative energy research and development.
Biofuel is one of the most popular forms of alternative energy. It refers to fuel that is made from solids, liquids or gases from organic materials. Although burning fossil fuel produces more energy in forms such as petroleum or kerosene, you also produce carbon dioxide and water. The release of too much carbon dioxide may effect the temperature of the world and this is known as the green house effect.
In the United States, more than 90% of greenhouse gas emissions are a result of the combustion of fossil fuel. Other pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, volatile organic compounds and metals are also produced. Nitric, sulphuric and carbonic acids are other reactants in fossil fuel burning processes. These acids have potential to fall down upon the Earth as acid rain. This acid rain is quite dangerous since the acid may have a dangerous impact the environment and natures balance. More than that, fossil fuel also contains radioactive material such as thorium and uranium. Radioactive materials are known to be very dangerous for human being and the environment.
These facts may assist us in discovering another energy source that is environment friendly aswell as affordable. Biofuel is one of the best alternatives at the moment and there are many advantages if you use biofuel as your prime source of energy. Some of them are listed below and might help you to compare biofuel with fossil fuel in general.
Emissions
Research has proved that biofuel has potential to reduce carbon dioxide emission. For example, B20 (diesel fuel blended with 20% biodiesel) may reduces carbon dioxide emission up to 30% and also carbon monoxide up to 20%. Because of this research, biofuel and especially biodiesel, are recognized as the most effective technologies available to us today in helping reduce our carbon footprint.
Many countries have a problem dealing with pollution and the greenhouse effect. Massive usage of fossils fuel in developed countries affects the balance of delicate ecosystems, especially in developing and small, third world countries. Island countries such as ones in the Pacific Ocean will be in greater danger if the greenhouse effect worsens. Snow melting in Arctic regions can lead to higher sea levels and may endanger some countries. This is why countries all over the world need to agree to enforce methods to reduce emission levels and usage of fossil fuels.
Health Effects
Carbon dioxide that is produced during the combustion of fossil fuel is dangerous for your health. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons which are produced as byproducts of fuel burning and are widely known as a cancer precursor compounds. Biodiesel emissions are proven to produce less PAH compounds than petroleum. Biodiesel also makes air safer for people to breathe by reducing the PAH by up to 90%!
Energy Balance
Biofuel is very important for the future. Use of biofuel will steadily increase and you have the power to help this uprising because it is so easy to make your own biofuel for your car.