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Sunday, December 21, 2008

Study on biofuel with recent developments:

What is biofuel ?
Biofuel is defined as solid, liquid or gas fuel derived from relatively recently dead biological material and is distinguished from fossil fuels, which are derived from long dead biological material. Theoretically, biofuels can be produced from any (biological) carbon source; although, the most common sources are photosynthetic plants. Various plants and plant-derived materials are used for biofuel manufacturing. Globally, biofuels are most commonly used to power vehicles, heating homes, and cooking stoves. Biofuel industries are expanding in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Recent technology developed at Los Alamos National Lab even allows for the conversion of pollution into renewable bio fuel. Agrofuels are biofuels, which are produced from specific crops, rather than from waste processes such as, landfill off-gassing or recycled vegetable oil.
Recent studies on Biofuel Research:
  • Biofuel Development Shifting From Soil To Sea, Specifically To Marine Algae: -- Bell-bottoms... Designer jeans... Disco... Big hair... Gas shortages. Some icons of the 1970s are emblazoned in the memories of those old enough to remember. A few styles, to the dismay of many, have come back in vogue--oil-related crises among them. Broad anxiety over fuel manifested again in 2008, illuminating the dark side of the nation's continued oil addiction.[1]
  • Algae: Biofuel Of The Future?: Researchers have a plan to greatly increase algae oil yields by feeding the algae extra carbon dioxide (the main greenhouse gas) and organic material like sewage, meaning the algae could simultaneously produce biofuel and clean up environmental problems.[2]
  • Algae From The Ocean May Offer A Sustainable Energy Source Of The Future: New research could help with the large-scale cultivation and manufacturing of oil-rich algae in oceans for biofuel. Algae are a diverse and simple group of organisms that live in or near water. Certain algal species are high in oil content that could be converted into such fuels as biodiesel, according researchers. Algae also have several environmentally-friendly advantages over corn or other plants used for biofuels, including not needing soil or fresh water to grow.[3]
  • Renewed Interest In Turning Algae Into Fuel Generated: The same brown algae that cover rocks and cause anglers to slip while fly fishing contain oil that can be turned into diesel fuel, says a microbiologist. Drivers can't pump algal fuel into their gas tanks yet, but the idea holds promise. The revived interest in microalgae stems from the conflict in the Middle East and the resulting focus on alternative fuels, according to the researcher.[4]
  • New Biofuel From Trees Developed: Scientists have developed a new biofuel derived from wood chips. Unlike previous fuels derived from wood, the new and still unnamed fuel can be blended with biodiesel and petroleum diesel to power conventional engines.[5]


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