What r the disadvantages of using Ethanol from an environmental perspective?

Question

Plz give sources with ur answers

Answer 1

In the USA we generate ethanol from corn. It actually takes a great deal of energy to grow corn, when you consider all of the fertilizer used, etc. Additionally, it takes energy to convert the corn stalk to fuel grade ethanol. Ethanol has a lower fuel value than oil, so you must use more ethanol to get the same benefit. Its not clear whether there is really much advantage to using ethanol as grown in the US, other than reducing the dependence on foreign oil sources.

Interestingly, it is much more efficient to produce ethanol from sugar, as is done in other countries. Brazil is the largest producer. But corn / farm lobby has well protected itself and there is a 50 cents per gallon tariff on imported ethanol. We the consumers, ultimately pay this tariff through higher prices at the pump.

Answer 2

I've heard methanol would be more practical. There are a lot of corn farmers who own our politicians and are the main ones pushing ethanol.

Answer 3

It also produces CO2 although the m/m ratio is much less.

Incomplete combustion and side reactions can lead to the formation of compounds which are carcinogenic or smog formers.