Environmental Sustainability Aspects of Second Generation Ethanol Production from Sugarcane

摘要: Sugarcane-derived ethanol from Brazil has a high output to input energy ratio and greenhouse gas savings compared fossil fuels. Current production is based on first generation (1G) technology, which ferments the sugars extracted sugarcane stalks. Cellulosic (2G) can be produced what currently considered agricultural agro-industrial residues (straw bagasse), also dedicated biomass-producing crops. 2G provides an opportunity intensify production, obtaining more per unit of area cropped potentially reducing environmental footprint. Straw removal field negative than positive consequences for environment system, but effects need evaluated at site regional levels. The use bagasse as feedstock should using life cycle assessment methods account its alternative uses raw material in cogeneration. Energy cane, vigorous rustic crop selected total biomass rather sucrose, promising ethanol. presence rhizomes, deep root intensive tillering contribute erosion control, longevity, soil carbon sequestration. There long-term experiments focusing quality, nutrient cycling, emissions, innovative techniques such stable isotope labeling flux measurements with automatic chambers understand impact removing bioenergy high-biomass Process-based models are useful sustainability assessments since they take into variability biogeochemistry, climate parameters, management practices, plant genetic traits, interactions these factors. integration geographic information systems allows potential impacts contributing identification promotion sustainable pathways cellulosic production.