Researchers at CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) successfully produced biohydrogen (bioH₂) from food waste and developed an efficient CO₂ conversion method.
Biohydrogen (BioH₂) Production from Food Waste
- Process:
- Food waste undergoes microbial fermentation in an upflow reactor with a self-regulating buffering system.
- Optimizes bioH₂ yield while minimizing methane (CH₄) & CO₂ emissions compared to traditional biogas production.
- Key Features:
- Anaerobic fermentation (without oxygen) by microorganisms (bacteria/yeast) releases energy.
- Addresses waste management and clean energy needs, contributing to net-zero targets.
CO₂ Conversion into Ethanol & Acetic Acid
- Study by CSIR-IICT’s Chief Scientist developed a more sustainable CO₂ conversion method.
- Traditional Method: Requires H₂ to convert CO₂ into methane, ethanol, or acetic acid.
- New Method:
- Uses a High-Pressure Gas Fermentation (HPGF) reactor.
- No need for external H₂, making it energy-efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable.
- Higher yields of ethanol & acetic acid, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
What are Biofuels?
- Definition: Hydrocarbon fuels produced from organic matter (living or once-living material) in a short period.
- Forms:
- Solid: Wood, dried plants, manure.
- Liquid: Bioethanol, biodiesel.
- Gaseous: Biogas.
- Uses: Substitute for diesel, petrol, and other fossil fuels in transport, energy, and heating.
Why Shift to Biofuels?
- Rising oil prices.
- Greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels.
- Economic benefits for farmers.
Different Categories of Biofuels
1. First-Generation Biofuels
- Made from food sources (sugar, starch, vegetable oil, animal fats).
- Examples: Bioalcohols, biodiesel, vegetable oil, biogas.
- Issues:
- Food vs. Fuel Debate – increases food prices.
2. Second-Generation Biofuels
- Produced from non-food crops or agricultural waste (husks, wood chips, fruit peels).
- Examples: Cellulose ethanol, biodiesel.
- Advantages:
- Lower impact on food economy.
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions than first-generation biofuels.
- Challenges: Complex production processes.
3. Third-Generation Biofuels
- Derived from microorganisms like algae.
- Example: Butanol.
- Benefits:
- Grown on non-arable land, reducing water stress.
- Drawback: Fertilizer use may lead to environmental pollution.
4. Fourth-Generation Biofuels
- Genetically modified crops absorb more carbon, converted into fuel using second-gen techniques.
- Carbon-negative: Absorbs more CO₂ than it emits.
- Process:
- Fuel is pre-combusted.
- Carbon is captured and stored underground (geo-sequestration).
Advantages of Biofuels
- Renewable – Derived from biomass.
- Diverse Sources – Produced from crop waste, manure, municipal waste.
- Lower Carbon Emissions – Less pollution than fossil fuels.
- Energy Security – Reduces dependence on foreign oil.
- Economic Benefits – Creates jobs in rural areas & supports farmers.
Disadvantages of Biofuels
- Lower Efficiency – Some biofuels (e.g., ethanol) produce less energy than fossil fuels.
- High Production Cost – Requires large land area and resources.
- Food vs. Fuel – May lead to higher food prices & shortages.
- Water Consumption – Intensive irrigation can strain water resources.
Way Forward
- Promote biofuels in transport to reduce crude oil imports.
- Encourage sustainable biofuel production from wastelands & municipal waste.
- Support rural & agricultural development through biofuel crops.
- Develop community-based biofuel programs for local economic benefits.
