Biodiesel+(Brittany+Layton)

Biodiesel is a fuel that is used in vehicles (Biodiesel for Kids). It is created from domestic and renewable resources, so it is a biodegradable, nontoxic, and almost completely free of sulfur. Biodiesel is made through a process called transesterification. In this chemical process, glycerin is separated from fat or vegetable oil, leaving behind methyl esters (biodiesel) and glycerin (a byproduct that is often sold to be used in soap) ("Biodiesel basics," 2009). Biodiesel can be used as it is after transesterification, or it can be blended with petroleum diesel in any percentage. Even a blend of 80% petroleum and 20% biodiesel shows significant environmental benefits ("Commonly asked questions," 2009). media type="youtube" key="TC9h78b2RM4" height="344" width="425" align="center"
 * __What is it?__**

("Making biodiesel," 2008) This video shows how to make biodiesel (from home, so probably a different way than in a factory). It explains what transesterification is, and also shows how simple it is to make biodiesel. This shows why it a good option for fuel other than petroleum diesel.

Biodiesel addresses the growing problems of increasing greenhouse gasses, and the United States' dependence on foreign oil. The United States is very dependent on other countries for fuel. In fact, "in 1996, it was estimated that the military costs of securing foreign oil was $57 billion annually. Foreign tax credits accounted for another estimated $4 billion annually and environmental costs were estimated at $45 per barrel." (Benefits of biodiesel). Since biodiesel is made from a renewable resource that can be grown right here in the US, it reduces our reliance on foreign oil and boosts our economy (makes farming more profitable because they grow the crops) (Benefits of biodiesel). Biodiesel fuel also helps to decrease the amount of greenhouse gasses (carbon) that are released into the atmosphere when vehicles burn fuel because it has a closed carbon cycle. The CO2 that is released by burning biodiesel fuel is used by plants, which are then turned into fuel ("FAQs," 2009).
 * __What problems is it trying to address?__**

Biodiesel is useful as fuel for trucks, cars, tractors, buses, and some commercial businesses, like city or national park buses (Biodiesel for Kids). In many of the places where petroleum diesel is used, biodiesel can be used instead. In fact, "Biodiesel blends of up to 20 percent work in any diesel engine with no modifications to the engine or the fuel system. Biodiesel has a cleansing effect that may release deposits accumulated on tank walls and pipes from previous diesel fuel usage" ("Commonly Asked Questions," 2009). Biodiesel fuel is a healthy alternative to petroleum diesel, not only for the atmosphere, but in vehicles too. ====__**The Biodiesel Fuel Cycle:**__ Plants use sunlight and carbon dioxide to grow. Crop refining farms use certain plants (like soybeans) to produce food and change the plants into the correct form for biodiesel production factories to use. In the factories, transesterification is used to create glycerin products (like soap) and methyl esters (biodiesel). Biodiesel is either blended with petroleum diesel or used as it is (after the factory) in vehicles, with little or no modification necessary. The carbon dioxide released from burning biodiesel is then used by plants, repeating the cycle.====
 * __When is it useful?__**

__**How does the topic relate to one or more of the nutrient cycles (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, water)?**__ Biodiesel fuel is most closely related to the carbon cycle. Biodiesel reduces net carbon dioxide emissions by 78% (when compared to petroleum diesel) because it has a closed carbon cycle. The CO2 that is released into the atmosphere when biodiesel is burned is used by growing plants, who are then used to make more biodiesel fuel ("FAQs," 2009).

Biodiesel fuel //IS// a viable solution to protect the biosphere. Vehicles that use biodiesel fuel have lower emissions than cars that use petroleum diesel. Since biodiesel is created from renewable resources like soybeans, it is healthier for the environment. It is less toxic than table salt, and biodegrades as fast as sugar. Biodiesel is also the only alternative fuel to pass the health effects testing requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments ("Biodiesel Basics," 2009). In a 1998 biodiesel life cycle study it was discovered that biodiesel reduces net carbon dioxide emissions by 78% when compared to petroleum diesel. Biodiesel is also better for the human body because it has "decreased levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and nitrited PAH compounds that have been identified as potential cancer-causing compounds" ("FAQs," 2009).
 * __Is it a viable solution to protect the biosphere?__**

The biggest consequence that biodiesel will have on the environment may an increase in smog. When biodiesel is burned it releases more NOx (nitrogen oxides) than petroleum diesel, contributing to smog formation. However, this can sometimes be fixed by adjusting the engine. Also, "There are technologies being researched to reduce NOx amounts in biodiesel emissions" (Hess).
 * __What are the possible consequences to the environment?__**

One topic that can relate to biodiesel fuel is hybrid cars, since both subjects try to address environmental concerns and the United States's dependence on foreign oil by providing an alternative source of energy.

Works Cited Hess, M. S. (n.d.). //How biodiesel works//. Retrieved from http://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/alternative-fuels/biodiesel4.htm

(2009). //Biodiesel basics.// Retrieved October 9, 2009, from The official site of the national biodiesel board Web site: http://www.biodiesel.org/resources/Biodiesel_basics/

(n.d.). //Biodiesel for kids//. Retrieved October 9, 2009, from National biodiesel board Web site: http://www.biodiesel.org/pdf_files/fuelfactsheets/kids_sheet.pdf

(2009, March). //Commonly asked questions//. Retrieved October 9, 2009, from The national biodiesel board Web site: http://www.biodiesel.org/pdf_files/fuelfactsheets/CommonlyAsked.PDF

(2009). //FAQs//. Retrieved October 9, 2009, from The national biodiesel board Web site: http://www.biodiesel.org/resources/faqs/default.shtm

(n.d.). //Benefits of biodiesel//. Retrieved October 15, 2009, from The national biodiesel board Web site: http://www.biodiesel.org/pdf_files/fuelfactsheets/Benefits%20of%20Biodiesel.Pdf

(2007). //What is biodiesel?//. Retrieved October 18, 2009, from PropelBiodiesel- fueling change Web site: http://www.propelbiofuels.com/site/aboutbiodiesel.html

(2008, August 14). //Making biodiesel//. Retrieved October 18, 2009, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC9h78b2RM4