Environmental Research

Projects studying the environmental impact of processes, and/or remediation.

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Life Cycle Models of Biobased Product Systems

Over the next century, a much larger fraction of chemicals, materials and fuels will be produced from plant raw materials. These biobased industrial products offer the potential for a much more sustainable economy based on environmentally-superior products. In order to realize the full economic and environmental benefits of biobased products, we must carefully analyze and improve their life cycle performance. We are currently involved in life cycle studies involving "refining" of corn, soybeans and forage crops (alfalfa and switchgrass) to fuel ethanol and other products. Our goal is to identify portions of the overall agricultural production, biorefining and product use systems that have the greatest impact on environmental and economic performance so that these areas can be targeted for additional research and improvement.

Investigators (PI is linked): Bruce E. Dale
Categories: Biotechnology, Biobased Industrial Products, Sustainable Economy, Environmental Research, Energy Production