Biomass

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Biomass refers to organic material that comes from plants and animals, and it is a renewable source of energy. Biomass contains stored energy from the sun. Plants absorb the sun's energy through photosynthesis, and when biomass is burned, this stored energy is released as heat. Biomass can be used directly via combustion to produce heat, or indirectly after converting it to various forms of biofuel.

Types of Biomass[edit | edit source]

Biomass can be classified into several types:

  • Wood and Agricultural Products: This includes wood, wood pellets, and agricultural residues like straw and corn stover.
  • Solid Waste: Municipal solid waste (MSW) can be a source of biomass energy.
  • Landfill Gas and Biogas: Decomposing organic matter in landfills produces methane, which can be captured and used as an energy source.
  • Alcohol Fuels: Ethanol and biodiesel are liquid fuels derived from biomass.

Conversion Technologies[edit | edit source]

There are several technologies used to convert biomass into usable energy:

Applications of Biomass[edit | edit source]

Biomass can be used in various applications:

Environmental Impact[edit | edit source]

Biomass is considered a renewable energy source because its carbon content is part of the natural carbon cycle. However, the environmental impact of biomass energy depends on how it is sourced and used. Sustainable practices are essential to ensure that biomass energy is truly beneficial for the environment.

Advantages and Disadvantages[edit | edit source]

Advantages[edit | edit source]

  • Renewable and widely available.
  • Can reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
  • Can help manage waste.

Disadvantages[edit | edit source]

  • Can lead to deforestation if not managed sustainably.
  • May compete with food production.
  • Emissions from combustion can contribute to air pollution.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD