Environmental Issues

For the past decades, people have witnessed the fact that too much dependency on petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel has led to an increase in pollution as well as shortages in the supply. To avoid such situations, alternative fuels are developed for use.

In general, alternative fuels are considered cleaner than gasoline because they are burned with fewer emissions which can help reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. A good example of this is biodiesel

Biodiesel is made from processed vegetable oils and animal fats. Compared to petroleum, biodiesel also has the same physical and chemical properties in terms of operation in diesel engines. Thus, it is a suitable substitute to petroleum.

Biodiesel, as an alternative fuel poses many advantages. First, biodiesel is biodegradable and non toxic. Apart from other fuels being used in the past, biodiesel does not have any amount of sulfur and aromatics that make sit safer to handle and carry anywhere. Second, since biodiesel is made from natural materials, it generates fewer noxious emissions thus, reducing the formation of acid rain due to sulfur dioxide. Third, biodiesel is compatible to any conventional, unmodified diesel engine so no calibrations are needed to make it work. Fourth, biodiesel can improve the engines lubricity making it work smoothly and efficiently. Lastly, biodiesel, unlike petroleum, is a renewable source, thus, it is infinitely available so long as there are materials available around us.

On the other hand, biodiesel also has some disadvantages. Biodiesels energy content is 11 lower than diesel petroleum which results to a power loss during engine operation. In addition, most of the diesel engines are designed for petroleum fuel, thus, using pure biodiesel to these engine may cause performance problems like carbon deposits, piston breaking, fuel filter plugging and severe engine lubricant degradation. In low temperature areas, biodiesel cannot be used because it can thicken and plug fuel filters.

Despite biodiesels disadvantages, many people are still trying to use it, mixing it with pure petroleum for the sake of at least reducing toxic emissions and moving towards a greener and cleaner environment.