The goal of this research is to quantify the water quality degradation tradeoffs associated with 2nd (cellulosic ethanol) and 3rd generation (e.g., algae-produced) biofuels. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework will be applied. Strategies for avoiding or mitigating unintended consequences of the introduction of 2nd and 3rd generation biofuels will be evaluated. The research targets to inform a more sustainable trajectory for biofuels development in the U.S. The LCA developed within the research effort will be broadly applicable and potentially will guide future assessments of biofuels. Education and outreach will include the incorporation of research into undergraduate and graduate courses.
This project is co-funded by the Environmental Sustainability Program and the Energy for Sustainability Program of the CBET Division of the Engineering Directorate.
Summary of Results related to Intellectual Merit: This research quantified environmental trade-offs (e.g. global warming, water quality, air quality) resulting from future biofuels scenarios including 2nd and 3rd generation biofuels. The research team created life cycle assessment (LCA) models for algae and cellulosic biofuels. The models enable comparison of different inputs (e.g. materials, fertilizers), reactor construction, and outputs (e.g. lipids, ethanol). In addition to quantifying the environmental impacts of biofuel production, a significant amount of effort went into exploring methods to maximize the value of the algae through additional products for non-vehicle fuel energy and other useful products. Finally, this research project examined how biofuel policy would influence non-global warming environmental impacts such as water and air quality. This research showed that there are important tradeoffs to consider when transitioning to second generation biofuels; while biofuels may experience a decrease in carbon-related impacts when compared to traditional fuels, they simultaneously experience an increase in water quality degradation related to agricultural activities. This research also showed that there is potential for third generation algae biofuels to contribute to sustainable fuels in the US, however there are several hurdles that can be overcome by increasing energy efficiency through algae harvesting and conversion technologies as well as increasing valuable co-products from algae production systems. Summary of Results related to Broader Impacts: This research project engaged 12 students throughout its entire duration; 60% of whom were underrepresented in STEM fields. Three PhD female students graduated from the project, one female MS student graduated from the project, and one African American male PhD student is currently working on the project. Six undergraduate students were engaged in the project over the course of several years. An international undergraduate came here from her University in Brazil to work with and learn from our research group in association with this proposal. Research was also integrated into Dr. Landis’ undergraduate classes at Arizona State University and the University of Pittsburgh. This research has enabled the research team to begin collaborating with companies in the biofuels industry. Dr. Landis’ team provides life cycle assessment support and systems analysis to enable biofuels companies to make informed decisions about the environmental impacts of the products and technologies. Publications and products: This project resulted in eleven presentations at national conferences, three peer-reviewed conference proceedings, seven peer-reviewed journal publications, two peer-reviewed journal publications in progress or under review, 1 M.S. thesis and 3 doctoral dissertations.
