The study, carried out by Spanish and Dutch researchers, aims to focus on the potential for previously unrecognised biomass sources: by-products from paper production and common, unharvested plants.
Speaking about the study, senior researcher Sara González-García from the Bioprocesses and Environmental Engineering Group of the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), said: "These studies evaluate, from an environmental point of view, the production of bioethanol from two, as yet unexploited sources of biomass: agricultural residue from flax (for the production of paper fibres for animal bedding), and Brassica carinata crops (herbaceous plant with yellow flowers, similar to those which carpet the countryside in spring)."
On a note of caution, however, the study highlights that the crops could contribute to the production of other toxic elements. The issue, however, could potentially be mitigated by the better use of fertilisers.
The research is of interest as it deals with ‘second generation bioethanol’, which does not compete with crops grown for human or animal consumption.
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Date Published: November 24, 2009
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