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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Biomass energy systems: environmental readiness document

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5718959
A number of environmental and socio-economic impacts were identified. The large land and water requirements for terrestrial biomass energy production might lead to socio-economic conflicts. It might also lead to an increase in potential for air and water erosion of the soil. Severe ecosystem impacts would result from disturbing 100 million acres of marginal farm land and 350 million acres of forest land. Removal of residues could increase nutrient removal and reduce the amount of organic matter returning to the soil and limit future biomass production. Air pollution from the direct combustion of biomass must be considered. The thermochemical conversion processes produce potentially harmful pollutants. The sludge resulting from the anaerobic digestion has a high biochemical oxygen demand and must be disposed or recycled. The synthesis of ethanol with stillage is dependent on the feedstock. The energy costs to purify the ethanol and pollution control costs appear to prevent economical production of ethanol in the near term. (DC)
Research Organization:
Department of Energy, Washington, DC (USA)
OSTI ID:
5718959
Report Number(s):
DOE/ERD-0021
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English