Ethanol versus Gasoline

Ethanol versus gasoline, how each affects the environment.

One of the biggest debates in the environmental arena concerns the future of energy. In particular ethanol versus gasoline and the impact they have in the world at large. Both of these

You'll have probably noticed how gas prices fluctuate constantly these days and it is easy to see how gasoline impacts a countries infrastructure. Wars have been fought by nations to gain more control over the oil supply industry. So going down the ethanol route would seem like a great idea, however, some environmentalists are showing concerns about the effects this will have if farmers start to grow for the ethanol fuel industry. Some reports as stating that this would create a substantial increase in staple foods like bread. It seems we should all pay more attention to the ethanol vs gasoline debate and the possible outcome.

Ethanol versus gasoline the environmental concerns:

Environmental studies and concerns show there are many differences between ethanol versus gasoline. There is absolutely no question that the use of fossil fuels as created many environmental concerns. There are figures and studies that show that fossil fuels are America's biggest polluter. The use of fossil fuel produces most of the pollutants such as reactive organic gases, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides that are prevalent in most US cities today, and for this reason, there have been many products to counteract this problem. Ethanol is one such oxygenate product, another is MTBE or methyl tertiary butyl ether, however, MTBE is considered to be a possible human carcinogen and water pollutant.

When looking at the ethanol versus gasoline issues, it is probably important to know that fuel ethanol can be used as an addictive to gas or on its own. Using ethanol mixed with gas or on its own makes a big difference to the amount of pollution to the environment. Using ethanol can reduce the levels of carbon monoxide emissions by as much as 30%. Furthermore, it can reduced VOC exhaust emissions by 12% and PM emissions by more than 25 percent. MTBE is slowly being replaced by ethanol, and unlike MTBE ethanol is non-toxic, biodegradable, water-soluble and generally less harmful.

One thing for sure, with the rising oil prices, pollution, and global warming the ethanol versus gasoline debate needs to be solved very quickly.

Readers have left 16 comments.

No.1 Untitled

Thanks for the info! :)

Submitted by ??,  • 2007-12-06 16:01:16

No.2 Untitled

gracias por la informacion

Submitted by Guest User,  • 2008-01-09 02:55:53

No.3 Untitled

Fascinating

Submitted by Guest User,  • 2008-01-27 22:25:02

No.4 Untitled

If this debate is to be resolved, the environmental impact through the entire lifecycled of both products must be looked at.

The first week of May issue of the Economist cited the large quantities of water needed to produce ethanol, compared to other food crops, as a major concern. This is especially so in the US, where water tables are already low in many areas. If farmers start switching to ethanol as a more economically viable alternative to certain food crops, what kind of impact will this have? Moreover, what will the secondary environmental impacts of producing less food locally be?

There are many issues to consider and it seems like (at least in Canada) our politicians are espousing the ethanol route while only looking at the tailpipe reduction in emissions. Clearly there needs to be a lifecycle approach to the issue if we are to seriously consider its widespread use.

Submitted by Guest User,  • 2008-03-12 20:46:09

No.5 Untitled

ethanol also can do damage to your cars air & fuel sencers

\n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ' title='Click to send email'>Submitted by bill,  • 2008-05-12 19:12:13

No.6 Untitled

— Someone

this was good

— Someone

Submitted by lildevil,  • 2008-05-29 16:10:17

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