Articles tagged with Biomass
Research estimates cod biomass on the Scotian Shelf was 1.26 million metric tons in 1852, compared to less than 50,000 metric tons today. The decline is consistent with earlier research and suggests that commercially important species biomass is only a small fraction of what existed before industrialized exploitation.
Researchers have developed a new method to estimate global ocean productivity by analyzing the amount of carbon in phytoplankton, using satellite data and ocean color. This approach may lead to significant revisions in estimates of ocean carbon absorption and new understanding of marine ecosystems.
A NASA study found that El Nino events, such as the 1997-1998 event, lead to unusually high biomass burning globally, producing more pollution than fossil fuel combustion. The study assessed smoke pollution from biomass burning in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America during these droughts.
Switching to liquefied petroleum gas for household use could add only a 2% increase in global fossil fuel emissions but greatly decrease the environmental impact on local biomass resources. Liquefied petroleum gas burns cleaner than biomass fuels, reducing indoor smoke and associated health risks.
Researchers from Cornell University and the University of Arizona found that plant stem and leaf biomass are proportional to root biomass across various plant species. This discovery provides environmental researchers with clues to estimate global carbon sequestration in plants.
Researchers found that tropical biomass burning is causing increased humidity in the stratosphere, contributing to milder winters in North America and Europe. The study suggests that higher humidity helps catalyze the destruction of the ozone layer.
A Kenyan study found a significant link between exposure to particulate matter (PM10) from biomass fuels and acute respiratory infections. The researchers estimated the public health benefits of reduced PM10 exposure, with the greatest impact seen for average exposures below 1000-2000 mg/m3.
A new CRADA and licensing agreement have been signed between NREL and Arkenol Holdings, which could further bring down the cost of making ethanol from biomass and boost the US biofuels industry. The agreements focus on developing new strains of genetically altered bacteria for use in converting rice straw to ethanol.
Researchers have developed a new fuel formulation that produces 40-50 percent fewer unburned hydrocarbons and 20 percent less carbon monoxide compared to gasoline. The P-series fuel blend can power flexible fuel cars, offering an alternative to traditional gasoline.
A pilot biomass power plant will be tested in Belarus to decontaminate forests north of Chernobyl. The project aims to capture radioactivity and generate electricity, potentially reducing health risks and economic pressure on the country.