by Staff Writers
Madrid, Spain (SPX) Nov 27, 2009
Surplus biomass from the production of flax shives, and generated from Brassica carinata (wild Mustard), a yellow-flowered plant related to those which engulf fields in spring, can be used to produce bioethanol. This has been suggested by two studies carried out by Spanish and Dutch researchers and published in the journal Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews."These studies evaluate, from an environmental point of view, the production of bioethanol from two, as yet unexploited sources of biomass: agricultural residue from flax (for the production of paper fibres for animal bedding), and Brassica carinata crops (herbaceous plant with yellow flowers, similar to those which carpet the countryside in spring)", Sara González-García, researcher of the Bioprocesses and Environmental Engineering Group of the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), explains to SINC.
González-García, along with other researchers from USC, the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the University of Leiden (Holland), has confirmed that if bioethanol is produced from these two types of biomass "both CO2 emissions and fossil fuel consumption will be reduced, meeting two of the objectives established by the European Union to promote biofuels".
The results of both studies, published in the journal Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, show that the use of ethanol-based fuels can help to mitigate climate change (by reducing greenhouse gases).
Which is better: flax or Brassica?
The studies developed by the researchers reveal that flax (which is richer in cellulose) can produce up to 0.3 kg of ethanol for every kg of dry biomass, compared with 0.25kg/kg of Brassica. However, when the whole production cycle is analysed, the yellow-flowered plant offers a greater production of biomass per hectare and has a lesser environmental impact.
The biofuel produced from these two plants is "second generation bioethanol", which is obtained from forest or agricultural residues, or from herbaceous crops, and does not enter into direct competition with agricultural crops intended for animal or human consumption.
How to Grow and Care for Flax - A Flower, A Vegetable, A Herb
Perennial, Linum Perenne Lewsii
Flax, is it a flower? Is it a vegetable? Is it medicinal, and therefore, a herb? It's all of this, and more!
Flax is one of those plants that has many uses: As a flower, for health and medicinal use, a grain crop, making fabrics, and much more. Most home gardeners view Flax as one of the very few "True Blue" flowers. To early American Pilgrims, flax was a food staple, put clothes on their back, and for many other uses.
Flax originated in India. It has been used for thousands of years. Pilgrims brought Flax to America. They used the seed for food and nutrition, and to make linseed oil. They used the fibers of the long, thin stems to make clothing, linen and lace. It was also used to make rope, twine, and a variety of other items.
Today, Flax is largely grown commercially in the U.S. to make Linseed Oil. Home gardeners highly value the real blue color of the flowers. Some home gardeners harvest the seed for consumption, especially in herbal teas.
Medicinal Uses:
The medicinal uses of Flax are broad. It contains Omega-3, a fatty acid that helps fight many diseases. Medicinal uses include:
Promotes heart health, Lowers cholesterol, Protects against strokes, Lowers blood pressure, Helps guard against breast cancer and other cancers!
As a healthy source of food and nutrition, flax seeds: Are used in herbal teas, can be ground into a low carb meal for making breads and doughs, The oil from the seeds makes linseed oil, and can be used in cooking,Sprouts are used in salads!
Read more at:
http://www.biofueldaily.com/reports/Flax_And_Yellow_Flowers_Can_Produce_Bioethanol_999.html
http://www.gardenersnet.com/flower/flax.htm
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