Biodegradability of new engineered fuels compared to conventional petroleum fuels and alternative fuels in current use

• Published in: Applied biochemistry and biotechnology Vol. 84; pp. 879 - 897
• Main Authors: Speidel, H.K, Lightner, R.L, Ahmed, I
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Heidelberg Springer 2000
• Subjects: alternative fuels; anaerobic conditions; biodegradability; Biodegradation, Environmental; Biofuel production; Biological and medical sciences; Biotechnology; Carbon Dioxide - analysis; Climate; climate change; Energy; Energy-Generating Resources; Environmental Pollution - prevention & control; Ethanol; Fuel Oils; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gasoline; Industrial applications and implications. Economical aspects; Oxygen - analysis; petroleum; research and development; sustainable technology; Transportation; Anaerobiosis; Biodegradation; Aerobiosis; Greenhouse effect; Renewable energy; Biodegradability; Fossil fuel; Biofuel; Environmental protection
• ISSN: 0273-2289; 1559-0291
• DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4612-1392-5_69

Concern with environmental issues such as global climate change has stimulated research into the development of more environmentally friendly technologies and energy sources. One critical area of our economy is liquid transportation fuels. This article presents the results of the biodegradability potential of newly developed engineered fuels and compares the results to the biodegradability of conventional fuels and alternative fuels in current use. Biodegradability potential was determined under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Fuels that have a high degree of components derived from renewable sources proved to have a higher degradability potential than those composed of petroleum components.