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Special
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Written by Sabrina Deparine
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Monday, 20 July 2009 11:10 |
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Page views: 3464 |
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Perhaps the most common reason used by advocates of ethanol-blended fuel is that ethanol fuel is environment-friendly and has fewer emissions. However, some critics argue that ethanol fuel can actually contribute more carbon gases and other unfavorable effects to the environment. In this article, we will take a look at the effects of ethanol on emissions, groundwater, and vehicles.
Ethanol on Emissions
Ethanol-blended fuels have been shown to reduce emissions and pollutants. In fact, as the percentage by volume of ethanol in the gasoline mixture increases, the reduction of pollution levels also increases.
Ethanol fuels can impact two types of pollutants namely carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide. Carbon monoxide levels should be kept at a minimum because this pollutant is poisonous. In fact, exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can kill a person in a matter of minutes. Nitrogen oxide, on the other hand, may cause environmental problems like production of ozone and smog. In turn, these may lead to several health problems among human beings and organisms.
 Ethanol fuels are highly-recommended for areas where there are significant problems on carbon monoxide pollutant levels. This is because ethanol fuels can reduce carbon monoxide emissions since the ethanol component is an octane enhancer that allows more complete combustion in the engine. As such, the vehicle will have cleaner emissions.
Another reason why ethanol fuel is healthier and more environment-friendly is because regular gasoline contains several hydrocarbons, some of which are hazardous air pollutants. Ethanol does not contain these so it reduces the amount of hazardous air pollutants emitted into the atmosphere.
In terms of nitrogen oxide, ethanol fuel can help reduce this because it burns faster and more completely. In addition, the use of regular gasoline can make the engine run at high temperatures. Ethanol, on the other hand, can make the engine cooler. Engines running at high temperatures can actually produce more nitrogen oxide. With ethanol fuel, there is less nitrogen oxide since the engine temperature is lower. As the amount of ethanol content by volume increases, the amount of nitrogen oxide produced by the engine decreases. Also, ethanol fuel has higher octane ratings that can make the vehicle more energy efficient. This generally makes the emissions lesser.
Ethanol on Groundwater
Some critics say that the use and production of ethanol fuel can pollute or affect groundwater detrimentally. This is actually not the case. In fact, in a 1999 study that was conducted for the Governors’ Ethanol Coalition, it was concluded that ethanol fuel does not pose any threat to both surface and groundwater. In fact, the ethanol content is readily and rapidly biodegradable or soluble in water. It is a naturally-occurring substance from natural and renewable resources so it does not render any detrimental impacts to both soil and water.
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