What is Biodiesel? July 12, 2016 Biodiesel is an alternative energy source for diesel engines. Commonly made from grease, vegetable oils, or fats, this fuel source can be used on its own (referred to as B100) or in combination with conventional petroleum diesel in 5 percent and 20 percent. According to the EPA, biodiesel can reduce greenhouse gases by between 57 and 86 percent and is considered safer to handle due to its lower toxicity. Biodiesel is produced through what is called transesterification. Here, the…

What is Biodiversity? July 13, 2016 Everything in the world is interconnected with one another in a complicated relationship known as biodiversity. In this web, wide varieties of animal and plant species rely on each other for food and shelter, especially humans. Diversity is important as it ensures greater variety of crops, natural sustainability of all life forms, and allows for ecosystems to survive and recover from environmental issues. An example of the importance of biodiversity is in the case of the honeybee. Bees are…

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…