Question

Which fuels can be obtained by microbial processes? Why is it necessary to increase the use of such fuels?

Name two fuels obtained by microbial processes. Why is it necessary to increase the use of such fuels?

Answer 1

There are different kinds of fuel that can be produced with the help of microbes. Some of the examples of such fuels are:

1. Ethanol: It is a byproduct that is produced during fermentation of molasses by Saccharomyces. It is a type of alcohol and is a clean (smokeless) fuel. It is mixed with petrol and diesel to prevent vehicular emissions.
2. Methane: Methane is a gaseous fuel that is obtained by microbial anaerobic decomposition of urban, agricultural, and industrial waste.
3. Hydrogen fuel: Hydrogen is released during the bio-photolysis of water, in which bacteria perform photoreduction. It is considered the fuel of the future as it is non-polluting and an efficient fuel.

Fuels obtained from fossil sources are non-renewable and polluting. In contrast, fuels such as hydrogen, ethanol, and methane represent the future of energy because they burn cleaner, offer comparable efficiency, and are renewable. Therefore, their use should be further promoted.

Answer 2

1. The aerobic decomposition of urban agricultural and industrial waste by microbes produces methane as a fuel.
2. Alcohol serves as a clean energy source, primarily in the form of ethanol. It is derived from the fermentation of molasses using Saccharomyces yeast.
3. Hydrogen gas is produced by the photoreduction of water, facilitated by bacteria during biophotolysis. This hydrogen gas is touted as the fuel of the future.
4. Conventional fuels are finite. After several hundred years, they will be entirely eradicated. Moreover, these fossil fuels generate significant air pollution due to carbon dioxide emissions. The fuels derived from microbial processes are non-polluting.

Therefore, it is necessary to increase the use of eco-friendly fuels.