Biofuels/Biomass Cellulose Lab
In this lab activity, students investigate how to prepare a biofuel source for conversion to a combustible product. The activity models how raw materials are refined to process liquid fuels.
Making biodiesel with biotech students
John Thomas is a GrowNextGen teacher leader who teaches at Fairbanks High School. He attended the Science of Food and Fuel workshop sponsored by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Here he talks about using the biodiesel lesson from the workshop in the classroom:
The students in my biotech class began by researching the process of making biodiesel and biofuels in general. They then applied this knowledge by heading to the lab to create their own biodiesel. This project stemmed from last summer’s Science of Food and Fuel workshop in which Rachel Sanders led us through the process of making biodiesel in the classroom.The potential of emerging bio-based products to reduce environmental impacts
Abstract
The current debate on the sustainability of bio-based products questions the environmental benefits of replacing fossil- by bio-resources. Here, we analyze the environmental trade-offs of 98 emerging bio-based materials compared to their fossil counterparts, reported in 130 studies. Although greenhouse gas life cycle emissions for emerging bio-based products are on average 45% lower (−52 to −37%; 95% confidence interval), we found a large variation between individual bio-based products with none of them reaching net-zero emissions. Grouped in product categories, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions ranged from 19% (−52 to 35%) for bioadhesives to 73% (−84 to −54%) for biorefinery products. In terms of other environmental impacts, we found evidence for an increase in eutrophication (369%; 163 to 737%), indicating that environmental trade-offs should not be overlooked. Our findings imply that the environmental sustainability of bio-based products should be evaluated on an individual product basis and that more radical product developments are required to reach climate-neutral targets.
Three Subtle Ways Climate Change Degrades Your Mental Health
July 3, 2024 -- Climate change is hitting us hard, even in ways we don’t notice. It could be what you see right outside your window, or it could be things your body reacts to that you can’t see. And a lot of us are finally acknowledging its toll: 64% of Americans say they’re worried about climate change, and 1 in 10 report symptoms of anxiety or depression due to climate change, leading some to seek help.
How To Power the South Pole With Renewable Energy Technologies
An opportunity exists at the bottom of the world to show the planet the importance and reliability of renewable energy.
Researchers at two U.S. Department of Energy laboratories—the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Argonne National Laboratory—looked at how a combination of solar modules, wind turbines, and battery storage could provide a cost-effective way to expand research capabilities at the South Pole while significantly reducing costs. The idea to shift away from diesel fuel specially formulated to withstand the extreme cold comes as scientists look toward future experiments.
How Biodegradable Polyurethane Could Solve the Microplastic Pollution Problem
Polyurethane is everywhere. From foam cushions and adhesives, to coatings and synthetic fibers, this versatile polymer is a significant presence in our daily lives. But there's a catch; while uses of polyurethane plastics offer many advantages, its non-biodegradable nature means it can stick around in the environment for a long time, contributing to the global microplastic pollution crisis that damages our ecosystems and our health.
Inexpensive, carbon-neutral biofuels are finally possible
When it comes to making fuel from plants, the first step has always been the hardest — breaking down the plant matter. A new study finds that introducing a simple, renewable chemical to the pretreatment step can finally make next-generation biofuel production both cost-effective and carbon neutral.
For biofuels to compete with petroleum, biorefinery operations must be designed to better utilize lignin.
How many electric vehicles (EV) and EV charging stations are in the United States?
Federal, state, and local governments and electric utilities encourage investing in and using renewable energy and, in some cases, require it. This is an overview of the major programs and incentives available for renewable energy production and use in the United States. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency® (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of detailed information on government and utility requirements and incentives for renewable energy.
Renewable energy explained
Federal, state, and local governments and electric utilities encourage investing in and using renewable energy and, in some cases, require it. This is an overview of the major programs and incentives available for renewable energy production and use in the United States. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency® (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of detailed information on government and utility requirements and incentives for renewable energy.
9 Easy Things You Can Do to Save the Ocean
Now, more than ever, the fate of the ocean is in our hands. According to UCSB and NOAA, over 40% of the world’s oceans have been heavily affected by human activities. Overfishing, pollution and climate change have all left an indelible mark on ocean ecosystems. What most of us don’t realize though is that we often contribute to these destructive factors with ordinary things we do every day. Luckily, making even a few simple lifestyle changes can bring significant environmental gains.
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