Life-cycle water quantity and water quality implications of biofuels
Wu, M; Zhang, Z; Chiu, Y
HERO ID
5013630
Reference Type
Journal Article
Year
2014
Language
English
| HERO ID | 5013630 |
|---|---|
| In Press | No |
| Year | 2014 |
| Title | Life-cycle water quantity and water quality implications of biofuels |
| Authors | Wu, M; Zhang, Z; Chiu, Y |
| Journal | Current Sustainable/Renewable Energy Reports |
| Volume | 1 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Page Numbers | 3-10 |
| Abstract | Water consumption and water quality continue to be key factors affecting environmental sustainability in biofuel production. This review covers the findings from biofuel water analyses published over the past 2 years to underscore the progress made, and to highlight advancements in understanding the interactions among increased production and water demand, water resource availability, and potential changes in water quality. We focus on two key areas: water footprint assessment and watershed modeling. Results revealed that miscanthus-, switchgrass-, and forest wood-based biofuels all have promising blue and grey water footprints. Alternative water resources have been explored for algae production, and challenges remain. A most noticeable improvement in the analysis of life-cycle water consumption is the adoption of geospatial analysis and watershed modeling to generate a spatially explicit water footprint at a finer scale (e.g., multi-state region, state, and county scales) to address the impacts of land use change and climate on the water footprint in a landscape with a mixed biofuel feedstock. |
| Doi | 10.1007/s40518-013-0001-2 |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Language Text | English |
| Keyword | Biofuels; Climate; Landscape management; Life-cycle water use; Nitrogen; Phosphorus; Suspended sediments; Water consumption; Water footprint; Water quality; Watershed modeling |
| Is Peer Review | Yes |