Is Biodiesel Fuel Causing More Pollution?

It has been addressed in the news lately that the production of corn-based ethanol is causing pollution in the United States and is affecting the price of corn and corn products, which affects other countries as well. The pollution problem was recognized when people started making their own biodiesel fuel at home, and the byproduct caused a huge fish kill in a few of Missouri's streams. More than 4,000 fish were killed (AuBochon, 2008).

I recognize that this pollution is on a small base compared to what it could be, but research shows that the increase in producing corn-based ethanol is also contributing to a "Dead Zone" in the Gulf of Mexico, which kills fish and other aquatic life (Rush to Produce, 2008). Because the U.S. Senate has proposed that they want 36 billion gallons of corn-based ethanol produced by 2022, it will be nearly impossible to reverse the damage to the Dead Zone (Rush to Produce, 2008). Due to the high demand of production for corn-based ethanol, there has been a higher demand for land and fertilizer to meet these needs (Munroe, 2008). As the number of ethanol plants start developing around the world, more land will move into biodiesel production. Researchers are worried because we are already using most of what is considered to be agricultural land (Munroe, 2008).

Most of the pollution issues are hitting us here at home in the United States, where they are effecting our waterways. However, don't think that this issue hasn't touched second or third world countries. Because the profit margins are declining when it comes to the ethanol plants, corn prices have increased dramatically (Hooper, 2008). Corn prices were thought to be high five years ago when they reached $2.40 per bushel, but due to the high demand of corn for ethanol production, the price is now up to $5 per bushel, and sometimes higher (Hooper, 2008). The high prices of corn will cause livestock farmers to have to bid against ethanol plants in order to feed their livestock (Hoskins, 2005). I would assume that the ethanol plants will be able to afford the corn more easily than livestock producers, therefore we may have problems when it comes to the livestock production in the United States which means higher prices for beef, eggs, pork, etc. Not to mention the fact that countries, such as Mexico, use corn for a basic ingredient in much of their food (think corn tortillas). Something that they have taken for granted in the past (the price of corn) now may mean that they cannot afford the basic necessities to feed their families. The lower income families in countries like this will not be able to afford the basic grain if corn prices continue to stay as high as they currently are.

Essentially, we are contributing to the pollution in the United States by producing biodiesel corn-based ethanol. In turn, the price of corn is skyrocketing which means that the poorer countries who depend it can no longer afford it. Plus, all animals eat corn in grain form, and because we are now using it as a fuel, we are putting poorer countries at a disadvantage. The prices of their food are skyrocketing, and they may not be able to afford to feed their livestock (which is a basic food source for many).

(2008, March 12). Rush To Produce Corn-based Ethanol Will Worsen 'Dead Zone' In Gulf Of Mexico, Study Says. Retrieved March 11, 2008, from Science Daily Web site:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080310181604.htm

AuBochon, Sarah (2008, March 11). Officials warn of biodiesel hazards. Retrieved March 11, 2008, from News Democrat Journal Web site: http://newsdemocratjournal.stltoday.com/articles/2008/03/11/news/sj2tn20080311-0312ndj-fish0.ii1.txt

Hooper, Michael (2008, March 10). Is ethanol boom going bust?. Retrieved March 11, 2008, from The Capital Web site: http://cjonline.com/stories/031008/bus_255434620.shtml

Hoskins, Tom (2005, November 15). Growth of ethanol industry likely to boost competition for corn. Retrieved March 11, 2008, from Iowa Farmer Today Web site:

http://www.iowafarmer.com/articles/2008/03/11/special_section/energy_and_ethanol/003eth3.txt

Munroe, Margaret (2008, March 10). Ethanol production fuels environmental problem, experts fear. Retrieved March 11, 2008, from The Province Web site: http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=5d2865da-e4d9-481d-ac9b-d44e298bf1b1&k=11565