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The Potential Environmental Impact of Waste from Cellulosic Ethanol Production
Citation:
MENETREZ, M. Y. The Potential Environmental Impact of Waste from Cellulosic Ethanol Production. JOURNAL OF AIR AND WASTE MANAGEMENT. Air & Waste Management Association, Pittsburgh, PA, 60(2):245-250, (2010).
Impact/Purpose:
JAWMA
Description:
The increasing production of ethanol has been established as an important contributor to future energy independence. A trend in decreasing profitability and resource conflicts has given grain based ethanol production a limited and difficult future. Growing emphasis is being placed on utilizing the many cellulosic feedstocks to produce ethanol. The availability and need for this renewable resource has made the development of cellulosic ethanol a national priority. Cellulosic ethanol production plants are being built in many areas of the U.S. to evaluate a variety of feedstocks and processes. The waste streams from the many varying processes which are being developed contain a variety of components. Differences in ethanol generation processes and feedstocks are producing waste streams unique to biofuel production which could be potentially harmful to the environment if adequate care is not taken to manage those risks. Waste stream management and utilization of the cellulosic ethanol process are equally important components of the development of this industry. The potential risk to human health and environment harm exists, and must be effectively managed if this industry is allowed to contribute to its potential.
