BIODIESEL

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

Much of our world today uses petroleum diesel. In order to get petroleum, or crude oil, it needs to be located in the Earth and drilled. In its natural state it is usually dark brown or black in color, and may contain elements such as sulfur and nitrogen. Extracting oil from the Earth is a hazardous procedure to the environment. Searching and drilling procedures carried out underwater can stir seabeds and damage underwater environments. Burning oil releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere which is becoming more and more of a problem since it contributes to global warming. Petroleum diesel also contains over 40 toxic chemicals, 15 of which have been deemed carcinogens. However, most of the world still uses petroleum. The United States is the leading consumer of petroleum, consuming 20,030,000 barrels a day (2004).

The usage of petroleum is leading us further and further into the exhaustion of oil reserves. Crude oil is not a renewable resource. While oil is diminishing, the prices for it are getting higher. An alternative source of fuel is needed if the world keeps consuming at this rate.

This is where biodiesel comes into play. Biodiesel is a possible alternative source of fuel that many are already using. Biodiesel can be a renewable source since it comes from vegetable oils, animal fats, and sources that we already have. A 1998 study on biodiesel supported by the US Department of Energy and the US Department of Agriculture stated that biodiesel reduces carbon dioxide emissions by about 78%. Another plus for biodiesel is that it degrades faster than petroleum. When petroleum spills onto the earth or into the water, it is difficult to clean up and it damages the area it has been spilled on. On the other hand, in another study sponsered by the US Department of Agriculture, biodiesel proved to be less toxic than salt and degraded just as easily as sugar. Also biodiesel is less of an irritant on a the skin than a 4% concentration of soap and water.

Another problem that can be mended is the problem of emissions. Emissions rates from boidiesel are much lower than from petroleum. For example: 48% lower emissions of carbon dioxide, 47% lower particulate (hazardous particles that harm humans) emissions, and 67% lower hydrocarbons (which contribute to smog). A bad side of biodiesel is that it increases NOx (nitrogen oxide). To read more about the increase of NOx (another contributor of smog), view the 'Problems' page.

Below is a chart that compares emission rates of biodiesel with petroleum diesel.

In summary, compared to petroleum diesel, biodiesel generally releases less toxins into the air. Biodiesel biodegrades faster and is overall less toxic than petroleum. Use of biodiesel could slow down the effects of global warming and promote cleaner environments.