Environmental Products of Biotechnology By: Sarah Hernandez :) 6 th Period

Enviro-Pig A Enviro-Pig is a trademark for a genetically modified line of Yorkshire pigs. Yorkshire pigs are pig that have the capability to digest plant phosphorus more efficiently than ordinary pigs. The purpose of Enviro-Pigs is they produce the enzyme phytase in the salivary glands which is the saliva. When the pig swallows this the phytase is active, it makes the stomach degrade indigestible phytic acid and along with phosphate, both are digest by the pig. A pro: It’s said to be less environmentally damaging than conventional pigs. A con: The operations are polluting our water which is bad for our environment.  Enviro-pigs :) 

Biodiesel (Biofuel) Biodiesel (Biofuel) is a wide range of fuels which are in some way derived from biomass. Biomass covers solid biomass, liquid fuels, and various biogases. Biodiesel is made from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled greases. It can be used as fuel for vehicles, but it is usually used as a diesel additive to reduce levels of particulates, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons from diesel powered vehicles. It’s produced by oils or fats. It is the most common biofuel in Europe. The purpose of Biodiesel is meant to be used in standard diesel engines. A pro: Biodiesel would seem to be a very good alternative to fossil based fuels. A way of this is reducing air pollution which is great for our environment. A con: Biodiesel contains sources of raw materials. Some are that current crops cannot keep pace with the bio-materials needed for producing biodiesel.

Ethanol (Biofuel) There is a lot of names for ethanol such as ethyl alcohol, pure alcohol, grain alcohol, or drinking alcohol. Ethanol is a volatile, flammable, colorless liquid. It is a powerful psychoactive drug and one of the oldest recreational drugs. It can be found in alcoholic beverages, its used in thermometers, in a solvent, and is an alcohol fuel. Ethanol is a straight-chain alcohol. Ethanol is intended for human contact or consumption, including scents, flavorings, colorings, and medicines. It has a very long history going way back to ancient times. It was used as fuel for heat and light, and more recently as a fuel for internal combustion engines. It’s purpose is on alcoholic beverages, used in fuels for cars, feedstock, medicines, and more. A pro: It is reneweable, no special car needed to use, reduces fuel imports, reduces air pollution, and supports rural economics. A con: It has a high price, energy level, and availability.

Methane Gas as Energy Source Methane Gas is a chemical compound with the chemical formula. It’s the principal component of natural gas. When Methane is in the presence of oxygen produces carbon dioxide and water. Methane makes it an attractive fuel, because it is a gas at normal temperature and pressure, it is difficult to transfer or transport it from it’s source. Methane is relatively a greenhouse gas, it’s also a high global warming potential. It has a net lifetime of ten years. It is important for electrical generation by burning it as a fuel in a gas turbine steam boiler. The purpose of Methane is it produces more heat per mass unit than other complex hydrocarbons. It is also used for many things such as in cars or other. A pro: It allows higher compression and greater efficiency than gasoline. A con: It is a very corrosive fuel and needs special and careful care when delivering. The creating Methanol liberates buried carbon.