Bioethanol Production from Food Crops


Book Description

Bioethanol Production from Food Crops: Sustainable Sources, Interventions and Challenges comprehensively covers the global scenario of ethanol production from both food and non-food crops and other sources. The book guides readers through the balancing of the debate on food vs. fuel, giving important insights into resource management and the environmental and economic impact of this balance between demands. Sections cover Global Bioethanol from Food Crops and Forest Resource, Bioethanol from Bagasse and Lignocellulosic wastes, Bioethanol from algae, and Economics and Challenges, presenting a multidisciplinary approach to this complex topic. As biofuels continue to grow as a vital alternative energy source, it is imperative that the proper balance is reached between resource protection and human survival. This book provides important insights into achieving that balance. - Presents technological interventions in ethanol production, from plant biomass, to food crops - Addresses food security issues arising from bioethanol production - Identifies development bottlenecks and areas where collaborative efforts can help develop more cost-effective technology




Fuel from Farms


Book Description

Decision to produce; Markets and uses; Market assessment; Prodution potential; Equipment selection; Financial requirements; Decision and planning workssheets; Basic ethanol production; Preparation of feedstocks, Fermentation; Distillation; Types of feedstocks; Coproduct yields; Agronomic considerations; Plant design; Overall plant considerations; Process control; Representative ethanol plant; Maintenance checklist; Business plan; Analysis of financial requirements; Organizational form; Financing; Case study; Summary of legislation; Bureau of alcohol, tabacco, and firearms permit information; Enviromental considerations.







Sustainable Ethanol


Book Description

In this resource, the authors uncover the benefits and limitations of North America's fuel ethanol industry.




Alternative Crops


Book Description




Biofuel Crops


Book Description

Providing comprehensive coverage on biofuel crop production and the technological, environmental and resource issues associated with a sustainable biofuel industry, this book is ideal for researchers and industry personnel. Beginning with an introduction to biofuels and the challenges they face, the book then includes detailed coverage on crops of current importance or with high future prospects, including sections on algae, sugar crops and grass, oil and forestry species. The chapters focus on the genetics, breeding, cultivation, harvesting and handling of each crop.




Ethanol as a Green Alternative Fuel


Book Description

In face of the increasingly obvious need to ensure the sustainability of the environment, alternative and renewable energy sources are no longer just the concern of environmentalists and have become commitments of governments virtually everywhere in the world. In this context, ethanol emerges as an excellent substitute for petroleum derivatives. This green alternative fuel is sustained by its own burning because when CO2 serves as a carbon source for the growth of plants, it will allow the carbohydrates to be fermented. In addition, currently different generations of this fuel are being proposed, considering the utilization of their own waste. However, challenges still need to be overcome to enable the second, third and fourth generations of ethanol. At the same time, other renewable fuel alternatives emerge to compete with it. The automobile industry, for example, has been developing new engines, hybrids or not, that can be powered by electricity or H2. In this regard, this book addresses, under different aspects, the main strategies to surpass the remaining obstacles, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of ethanol as a fuel of the future. In this context, the "Ethanol as a Green Alternative Fuel" book shows present and future scenarios about bioethanol and perspective in their chain, considering the economic and environmental impact mitigations approach.




Bioprospecting of Plant Biodiversity for Industrial Molecules


Book Description

BIOPROSPECTING OF PLANT BIODIVERSITY FOR INDUSTRIAL MOLECULES A comprehensive collection of recent translational research on bioresource utilization and ecological sustainability Bioprospecting of Plant Biodiversity for Industrial Molecules provides an up-to-date overview of the ongoing search for biodiverse organic compounds for use in pharmaceuticals, bioceuticals, agriculture, and other commercial applications. Bringing together work from a panel of international contributors, this comprehensive monograph covers natural compounds of plants, endophyte enzymes and their applications in industry, plant bioprospecting in cosmetics, marine bioprospecting of seaweeds, and more. Providing global perspectives on bioprospecting of plant biodiversity, the authors present research on enzymes, mineral micro-nutrients, biopesticides, algal biomass, and other bioactive molecules. In-depth chapters assess the health impacts and ecological sustainability of the various biomolecules and identify existing and possible applications ranging from ecological restoration to production of essential oils and cosmetics. Other topics include, bio-energy crops as alternative fuel resources, the role of plants in phytoremediation of industrial waste, and the industrial applications of endophyte enzymes. This comprehensive resource: Includes a through introduction to plant biodiversity and bioprospecting Will further the knowledge of application of different plants and improve research investigation techniques. Summarizes novel approaches for researchers in food science, microbiology, biochemistry, and biotechnology Bioprospecting of Plant Biodiversity for Industrial Molecules is an indispensable compendium of biological research for scientists, researchers, graduate and postgraduate students, and academics in the areas of microbiology, food biotechnology, industrial microbiology, plant biotechnology, and microbial biotechnology.




Biofuels and Sustainability


Book Description

This open access book presents a comprehensive analysis of biofuel use strategies from an interdisciplinary perspective using sustainability science. This interdisciplinary perspective (social science-natural science) means that the strategies and policy options proposed will have significant impacts on the economy and society alike. Biofuels are expected to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, revitalizing economies in agricultural communities and alleviating poverty. However, despite these anticipated benefits, international organizations such as the FAO, OECD and UN have published reports expressing concerns that biofuel promotion may lead to deforestation, water pollution and water shortages. The impacts of biofuel use are extensive, cross-sectoral and complex, and as such, comprehensive analyses are required in order to assess the extent to which biofuels can contribute to sustainable societies. Applying interdisciplinary sustainability science concepts and methodologies, the book helps to enhance the establishment of a sustainable society as well as the development of appropriate responses to a global need for urgent action on current issues related to biofuels.




Emerging Research in Alternative Crops


Book Description

This book provides case studies on cultivating alternative crops and presents new cropping systems in many regions of the world. It focusses on new emerging research topics aiming to study all aspects of adaptation under several stresses including agricultural, environmental, biological and socioeconomic issues. The book also provides operational and practical solutions for scientists, producers, technology developers and managers to succeed the cultivation of new alternative crops and, consequently, to achieve food security. Many regions in the world are suffering from water scarcity, soil and water salinization and climate change. These conditions make it difficult to achieve food security by cultivating conventional crops. A renaissance of interest for producing alternative crops under water scarcity and water salinization has been, therefore, implemented primarily among small-scale producers, researchers and academics. The use of alternative crops (quinoa, amaranth, legume crops, halophytes, ...etc.) may provide some environmental benefits such as valorization of salt-affected soils, reduced pesticide application, enhanced soil and water quality and promotion of wildlife diversity. This also may provide some economic benefits such as providing the opportunity for producers to take advantage of new markets and premium prices, spreading the economic risk and strengthening local economies and communities. Furthermore, alternative crops are often rich in proteins and minerals, and even some of them are Gluten free (quinoa). This reflects their importance to achieve food security in quantity and quality scale. The year 2013 was exceptional for alternative crops as it was the international year of quinoa celebrated by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This reflects the importance of research conducted on quinoa and other alternative crops in many regions of the world.