Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

hello
I have a research project about biofuel. I am interested in testing plants or part of it in producng biofuel. I would like to test plant that people do not eat but at the same time it contain sugar and a source of biofuel. I have read about the topic and I found that people use sugar cane, dates, Watermelon ,coconut, corn, wheat and algae. but all the plants used right now in research are major sources of people diet. So,
I have some questions that you can help me with I would appreciate if you give me examples of specific types of plants, trees, grass... that can be used for experimentation
Many thanks.
Bye

Hi,

Here is a science buddies project idea on biofuel, which may give you some ideas for your project:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p030.shtml

There are many plant sources that are not used for food. Think about plants used for crops and all of the parts of the plant that are not used for food, such as the watermelon plant minus the watermelon. That's what you could use for a sugar source to produce biofuel. Or, do you live in a neighborhood that has "green" garbage cans that can be filled with any type of plant material? All plants are composed of cellulose, which is a polysaccharide composed of polymer of sugar molecules. Humans and other animals cannot digest cellulose, but microorganisms can break these down to sugars. Also, the cellulose can be hydrolyzed with acid to form the individual sugars.

I hope this helps you get started in finding a biofuel source. This should be a great project!

Donna Hardy

Hi:

Here are some relevant discussion threads previously posted to the ask an expert forums:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... 7&start=15

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... =28&t=5312

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... =28&t=5471

Here is a Science Buddies project on grawing grasses for biofuel:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p034.shtml

You may also be interested in the Exxon Mobil plan to make biofuel from algae:

http://www.exxonmobil.com/Corporate/ene ... algae.aspx

Here is some further background information on algae biofuels:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algae_fuel

http://sites.google.com/a/algaebiofuelsummit.com/www/

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/b ... nsultation

Searching google for “algae for biofuel” will bring up many more relevant hits.

You are obviously thinking about a very timely and hot topic with ties to limiting greenhouse gas emissions- global warming, improving our economic idependence from imported oil, and related national priorities. There appears to be intense innovation going on in this area from private companies. This looks like a superb area for a fantastic science fair project!

Good luck, and have fun with it!!!!

Best regards,

Barrett L. Tomlinson

hello

I have some questions in my research project would you help me please?

I took these steps from ehow.com to follow them so I can make the experiment of my research.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2095469_make-ethanol.html

So If I want to make ethanol extracted from bread, do I need Glucoamylase if I used Alpha amylase? Is Alpha amylase enough?
Do I need Zeolite and why ? What happen in case I did not use it?
Do I need Hydrometer in my experiment?
then I read that I have to put yeast. Is the yeast here the same yeast we use in cooking?

thanks alot for your time

Hi Sondos,

Yes, you would need glucoamylase to break down the starch molecules; this enzyme will hydrolyze the starch into the individual sugars that can be fermented by the yeast.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha-Amylase

Yes, you need the zeolite to remove the carbon dioxide and water from the ethanol. If the ethanol is too dilute, it won’t ignite.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeolite

Yes, you can use baker’s yeast for this experiment.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeast

This is a great science project, but make sure you have permits to produce ethanol and approval to enter this project into the science fair. Talk to your teacher if you have any questions.

Donna Hardy

hi
I am going to use Alpha amylase is it enough? because Alpha amylase break down the starch molecules too ??!!
but I don't have Glucoamylase and I can't find it . if it is so important is there another available subtance I can Replace it with?
and I have the same problem with the Zeolite (not available too). how can I dry the ethanol without it?
thanks

Hi Sondos,

Alpha amylase breaks down the chemical bond between glucose molecules in starch, so the alpha amylase should work well. Do you know the optimum temperature and pH for the amylase you are getting?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amylase

Here’s the structure of amylose, or starch. This is a polysaccharide that’s just a long string on glucose molecules.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amylose

Here’s a procedure that uses cornmeal instead of zeolites to remove water. This process described here is a little complicated, but you may be able to simplify the process for your project.

http://www.journeytoforever.org/biofuel ... grits.html

I forgot to answer your question about the hydrometer. It would be very helpful to have this device for your project. A hydrometer measures the specific gravity of your sample, and you would want to take a measurement before and after fermentation. Here’s a commercial website that describes how to use a hydrometer.

http://www.apple-cider-vinegar-benefits ... meter.html

Here’s a website that explains specific gravity. Since this is a science project, you should do background reading on this topic and understand the basic principles.

http://www.tpub.com/fluid/ch1e.htm


Donna Hardy

Hi
In my experiment there is a step that we put yeast so how many days need to be fermented ?
and thanks

Hi Sondos,

The fermentation time will depend on the initial concentration of yeast and the temperature, but you should see signs of fermentation within a day, and it should be complete within 2-3 days. However, you should monitor your culture to make sure it is progressing.

Donna Hardy

Hello
what is the name of ultrasonic transducer that makes ultrasonic waves spread in many fields instead of just one linear field?
thanks

Hi Sondos,

Unfortunately, I don't know anything about ultrasonic transducers. Here is a website that offers a wide variety of these devices from a number of vendors. It appears that there are many types of these devices available.

http://www.directindustry.com/industria ... 72169.html

Donna Hardy