What is Bioenergy? July 14, 2016 Bioenergy is energy that derives from biomass – organics that have absorbed solar energy such as wood, straw, or other biological refuse. This is considered renewable because the plant matter can be replanted. Biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel also fall under this category. Bioenergy can also be harnessed from biodegradable waste that is not typically reusable like residual fats, food waste, and municipal wastewater solids through anaerobic digestion for the production of biogas. The advantage of using biofuels is…

What is Bioerosion? July 25, 2016 Bioerosion is a process of removing hard substances by animals or other organisms slowly through actions such as drilling, burrowing or grazing. Bioerosion occurs naturally in nature but can damage the surrounding environment if it is excessive. This natural occurrence is important for geologists and paleontologists as it allows them to determine prehistoric water levels, climatic conditions, and evolutionary patterns. An example of Bioerosion can be seen in the case of coral reefs. Corals create limestone (or calcium carbonate)…

What is Biofiltration? July 25, 2016 Biofiltration is the use of natural processes to control air pollution. This is accomplished through the use of microorganisms who feed on the contaminants found in air or water. In the process, air is passed through a filter made up of moisture and microorganisms. As the polluted air passes through the filter, the pollutants become trapped within the filter. The microorganisms then process the pollutants, turning them into carbon dioxide and water. — Other Sources Biofiltration. http://www.cpeo.org/techtree/ttdescript/biofil.htm. Accessed July…

What are Biofuels? July 14, 2016 Biofuels are fuels made from renewable sources such as ethanol from corn or biodiesel from used fats and oils. These fuels produce fewer carbon emissions like conventional petroleum from fossil fuels. Though biofuels come from a variety of different sources, these fuels are generally developed through chemical reactions, fermentation, and heat to break down the sugars and starches in the plant matter, the remains are then refined into biofuel. The use of biofuels in motor vehicles isn’t a new…

What is Biogas? July 14, 2016 Biogas is a by-product of a process called Anaerobic Digestion. In this system, biodegradable refuse (municipal solid waste, food waste, fats, and oils) is collected into an air tight container to be broken down by a variety of microorganisms to become a methane-rich gas that can be used as an alternative to natural gas. The use of biogas as a form of energy dates back to the tenth century BC within Assyria where it was used to heat bath…