CBSE Class 10 Answered

Bioethanol is an alcohol made by fermentation, mostly from carbohydrates produced in sugar or strach crops such as corn, sugarcane, or sweet sorghum. Use of bioethanol as an alternative to petrol and diesel can reduce oil dependency and the emission of greenhouse gases. However, there are certain advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of bioethanol fuel.

Advantages:

1. Produced domestically from agricultural feedstock, reducing the use of petroleum

2. Less emission of specific air pollutants

3. Added vehicle cost is negligible

Disadvantages:

1. Can be used only in flex-fuel vehicles that are designed to run on gasoline or a blend of up to 85% ethanol

2. Lower energy content, resulting in fewer miles per gallon

3. Limited availability

Although, bioethanol is a promising alternative for petrol and diesel engine cars, there are various social, economic, environmental and technical issues related to the production and use of bioethanol. These include the effect of moderating oil prices, poverty reduction potential, carbon emission levels, sustainable biofuel production, deforestation and soil erosion, loss of biodiversity and impact on water resources.