BENEFITS OF BIODIESEL

     The major reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the use of biodiesel fuels comes from the life cycle of the fuel source itself and not necessarily from its reduction in tail gate emissions. In the collection of vegetable oils from naturally grown plants, recycling used frying oils or rendering animal waste products, the manufacturing of pure biofuel produces 60 to 100 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared with that of petroleum diesel. (Canada, 2007).

     Many food and animal waste products that now end up in our landfill sites decompose naturally to produce methane gas which also contributes negatively to climate change. By diverting these products into biodiesel instead, we can further impact the environment in a positive way.  (EIA, 2006).

     Biodiesel is composed of 11 percent of oxygen by mass which when added to petroleum diesel, allows it to burn more efficiently. (STM, 2003). In addition, biodiesel has mild solvent properties and is thus considered to be a clean fuel. These factors allow biodiesel to help reduce the emissions of fine particulates and unburned hydrocarbons into the air, some of which have been associated with cancer-causing properties. (Canada, 2007).

     Biodiesel fuel usage is a viable option that can implemented without significant delay into existing diesel engines and using existing fuel transportation and delivery systems. This could certainly have important impacts in the fields of public transportation and the trucking industry.