Biomass Energy: Types, Processes, Advantages & Disadvantages
Biomass
Introduction
Biomass is a type of renewable energy obtained from organic matter of vegetal or animal origin, or by the transformation of organic matter into fuel. The energy is obtained by burning the organic matter or transforming it into fuel. Types of biomass:
- Natural biomass: produced in nature without human intervention.
- Residual biomass: wastes produced by human activity.
- Energetic crops: crops specifically grown to be used as plant biomass for energy generation.
Theoretical Bases
To obtain
Hydrosphere Impacts: Reservoirs, Pollution, and Contaminants
Hydrosphere Impacts
Impacts on the Dynamics of the Hydrosphere
Reservoirs
- Sediment accumulation at the coast
- Reduced freshwater flow to deltas
- Decreased water resources and hydroelectric capacity
- Increased erosion downstream
- Concentration of contaminants downstream
- Alteration of natural landscapes
- Population displacement and rehousing
- Loss of heritage sites and monuments
- Risk of dam failure
Pipe Works
- Alterations in aquifer recharge dynamics
- Impact or disappearance of riparian forests
Transfers
- Reduced erosion,
Understanding Water Pollution: Sources and Impacts
Organic Contamination
Organic pollution can cause anoxic conditions, to the extent that only chemotrophs (reducing anaerobic bacteria) can persist. During anaerobic biodegradation, organic acids, alcohols, aldehydes, methane, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and ammonia are produced. Intermediate compounds include phenols, indoles, and mercaptans. This results in a very high chemical oxygen demand (COD), which must be offset by dissolving oxygen (O2) in water. Organic contamination stems from the lack of
Read MoreEarth’s Structure, Forces, and Plate Tectonics
Earth’s Composition and Structure
Geology: The science of Earth.
- Continental Shelf (C-Shelf): Extends past the shoreline.
- Continental Crust (C-Crust): 35-40km average thickness, granite composition (light-grey).
- Oceanic Crust (O-Crust): 7km average thickness, basalt composition (dark), 46% O, 28% Si, 3gm/cm3.
- Mantle: 35% Fe, 30% O, 15% Si, 5g/cm3, extends to 2900km depth, upper (olivine), lower (same composition, higher pressure minerals).
- Core: 85% Iron (Fe), 11% Nickel (Ni), 4% Sulfur (S), 11gm/cm3
Forearm Muscles: Anatomy and Function
Anterior Group
Pronator Quadratus
It extends from the distal fourth of the ulna’s anterior face to the anteroexternal face of the distal fourth of the radius.
Function: Forearm pronation.
Flexor Digitorum Profundus
It originates from the proximal three-fourths of the ulna’s anterior face. It inserts via four tendons that pass through the wrist into the base of the third phalanx of the four ulnar digits.
Function: Flexion of the wrist, metacarpals, and third phalanges over the second ones.
Flexor Pollicis
Read MoreKey Concepts in Geography and Geology
Altitude
Altitude is the vertical distance of a point of land relative to sea level.
Dryness
Dryness is the lack of water in the soil and moisture.
Relief
Relief is the residual of an ancient horizontal platform or a slope, which testifies to its previous length. These hills have been cut off due to differential erosion caused by us and gullies.
Continental Climate
The continental climate is a factor due to a greater or lesser distance from the sea and the influence of land masses.
Mountain Range
A mountain
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