Impact of biofuel crop production on the formation of hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico.

摘要: Many studies have compared corn-based ethanol to cellulosic on a per unit basis and generally concluded that will result in fewer environmental consequences, including nitrate (NO3(-)) output. This study takes system-wide approach considering the NO3(-) output relative areal extent of hypoxia Northern Gulf Mexico (NGOM) due introduction additional crops for biofuel production. We stochastically estimate loading NGOM use these results approximate scenarios meet Energy Independence Security Act 2007's goals 2015 2022. Crops include corn, corn stover, switchgrass; all biodiesel is assumed be from soybeans. Our indicate moving cellulosics production may 20-percent decrease (based mean values) Mississippi Atchafalaya River Basin (MARB). not EPA target hypoxic zone reduction. An aggressive nutrient management strategy needed reach 5000 km2 goal set forth by River/Gulf Watershed Nutrient Task Force even absence biofuels, given current food, feed, other industrial needs.