Biofuel is a general term used to describe the energy stored in plants, plant by-products and animal waste. Biofuels include fuels from biomass conversion, as well as solid biomass, liquid fuels and various biogases. Biomass is traditionally burned to produce heat. The heat can then be used directly for heating and cooking, or indirectly to produce electricity. Sources of biofuel include:
- waste streams, such as residue from forestry;
- recycled wood;
- agricultural residue;
- manure;
- sewage sludge; and
- purpose-grown crops, such as corn, soybean, and grasses.
Bioethanol is an alcohol made by fermentation, mostly from carbohydrates produced in sugar or starch crops such as corn or sugarcane. Cellulosic biomass from non-food sources such as trees and grasses, is also being developed for ethanol production.
Biodiesel is made from vegetable oils and animal fats. Biodiesel may be used as a fuel for vehicles in its pure form but is more often a diesel additive to reduce particulate levels, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons from diesel-powered vehicles.
Fish and Wildlife Considerations
Biofuel crops are agricultural products. Farmers may use pesticides and herbicides that can drain into adjacent streams and rivers. Native trees and plants may be removed to plant biofuel crops, resulting in habitat loss and fragmentation. Human activity and noise may disturb some wildlife species. Pesticides and herbicides and habitat fragmentation can also harm pollinators, such as bees, moths, bats, and birds.
