Effect of land use change for bioenergy production on feedstock cost and water quality

摘要: Abstract Producing renewable fuel from dedicated energy crops, such as switchgrass, has the potential to generate localized environmental benefits. This study uses high-resolution spatial data for west Tennessee quantify effects of producing switchgrass cellulosic ethanol on grey water footprint (GWF), or amount freshwater needed dilute nitrate leachate a safe level, relative existing agricultural production. In addition, estimated cost and GWF are incorporated in mixed-integer multi-objective optimization model derive efficient frontier feedstock supply chain determine that achieves greatest reduction at lowest cost. Results suggest background concentration ambient types land converted production influence extent GWF. The average area ranges between 131.8 L L−1 145.9 L L−1 ethanol, which falls into range other lignocellulosic biomass literature. Also, reducing identified by compromise solution method is $0.94 m−3 region. A tradeoff biofuel costs reduced loading groundwater driven differences Our findings illustrate energy-water-food nexus development local bioenergy sector provide management strategy associated with use choices crops. However, quality improvements displacing crop one region could be offset expanded more intensive regions.