Powering the Future: Biofuels

Activity: Oil extraction Describe the techniques used to extract oil from plant material Carry out oil extraction from plant material Discuss the ethical, economic and environmental issues associated with producing biofuels from plant material

To help combat climate change the UK has a target to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by % of the UK renewable energy could come from biomass heat and electricity by To meet the European Renewable Energy Directive, the UK is aiming for 10% of transport energy to be from renewable sources by % of the sustainable renewable road transport fuel used in the UK between April 2012 and April 2013 came from UK feedstocks. Facts and Figures

Oilseed rape is currently grown for use as a food crop as well as production of biofuels. In 2009 the UK biofuel produced from oilseed rape was13% of total biofuel feedstocks. Estimates suggest that it would require 40% of the UK arable land to produce 5% of the UK transport fuel from oilseed rape. It is therefore vital that research finds alternatives to current biofuels. © John Innes Centre

Oilseed rape exploding pods: Controlling pod shattering could lead to greatly increased yields of oilseed rape. © John Innes centre

Algae light microscope image: In order to develop biofuels from algae, research is being conducted to find suitable strains that produce high levels of oils, can tolerate heat and high concentrations of carbon dioxide, and are easy to harvest. © Plymouth Marine Laboratory

Bubble Columns: Microalgae can be grown in large bioreactors and continually harvested unlike crops or macroalgae. They could be grown using the waste carbon dioxide from industrial processes, power stations or waste treatment plants. The oil they produce can then be converted into liquid fuel. © Plymouth Marine Laboratory

Scanning Electron Microscope image of algae: Algae can harvest the power of the sun through photosynthesis and convert this into biomass including oil. They are fast growing and more efficient than plants at absorbing carbon dioxide. © Plymouth Marine Laboratory

Fluorescent staining of oil in algae: In order to develop algal biofuels research is being conducted to find suitable strains that produce high levels of oils, can tolerate heat and high concentrations of carbon dioxide, and are easy to harvest. © Plymouth Marine Laboratory

Method 1.Add a small spoonful of vegetable matter to the mortar (if calculating yield accurately, weigh the vegetable matter). 2. Grind the vegetable matter, adding a small amount of water if required. 3. Once completely ground, add more water using a wash bottle (about 20 ml). 4. Transfer the water and ground vegetable matter to a test tube or Falcon tube using a spatula or spoon (a funnel may be helpful if the vegetable matter is finely ground). 5. Wash the mortar and pestle to remove any remaining oils and add the extra water to the tube. Ensure it is about 2/3rds full. 6. Replace the lid, seal, label and leave on a flat surface for 30 minutes to 2 days to observe the oil separation.

Activity: Oil extraction Describe the techniques used to extract oil from plant material Carry out oil extraction from plant material Discuss the ethical, economic and environmental issues associated with producing biofuels from plant material

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