Fermentation and Biofuels

Economic and Environmental Impacts of Ethanol Biofuel Production From Plants

Biofuels have attracted a lot of interest as alternative sources of energy that are considered as more sustainable and "environmentally friendly." In fact, many nations around the world have heavily invested in biofuel production.

Nevertheless, several concerns have arose regarding the use of biofuels. One concern is regarding the amount of corn necessary to produce the ethanol required to replace the currently source of energy. The production of ethanol from corns also increases the eutrophication and pollution of groundwater and aquatic ecosystems. Leading to an increase in greenhouse gases, even though it is carbon dioxide neutral.

There are other types of plants other than corn that can produce biofuels as well. How do they do compared to corn?

Sugarcane

sugarcane produces ethanol in a way more efficient way than corns. Not only, it produces way more ethanol than corns, it actually doens't emit as much greenhouses gases as corns. Nevertheless, it does effect the environment once, in order to produce sugarcane fields, a lot of the rain forest must be cut down. Leading to a increase in impact on biodevisity and carbon dioxide emission to the atmosphere.

Wheat

Although Canada has a smaller biofuel industry than countries like USA and Brazil, we still have several plants that can be use in the production of ethanol. In West Canada, the plant of interest is wheat. The grain of wheat is rich in starch and it has been suggested that genetic engineering could further boost starch content is these grains, making wheat a very efficient source of biofuel.

The Biological Process of Ethanol Production From Fermentation of Plant Material

Bioethanol is produced when carbohydrates are fermented by yeast (a single-celled fungus). A very famous type of yeast is S. cervisiae, which has been used by humans for years to produce ethanol by fermentation.

The start point for ethanol production process is to provide the yeast with a source of carbohydrates, such as corn, sugarcane, and wheat. The yeast uses it as source of energy and carbon. It will break down simple sugars first (such as glucose) and it will generate ethanol and carbon dioxide.