A feasibility and viability analysis of Biomass combustion products with implied impact on health as well as environment

Abstract

One of the major sources of energy in developing countries is the bioenergy that comes from Biomass Fuels. Biomass fuels contribute to (1/4) one fourth of the energy consumed in India. These, usually originate from organic materials which make them a sustainable renewable source of energy which can be used in variety of ways, be it production of heat or electricity. Biomass fuels, which are supposed to be environment friendly, come into question as they are not being exploited in a way that their use remains eco-friendly. Use of unprocessed biomass fuels has turned out to be more negative than positive in the recent years which make them a subject of critique as to how viable they actually are in practice. Improper combustion of biomass fuels results in the emission of a complex mixture of air pollutants in the form of trace gases like CO, CH₄, CH₃Cl, NO, HCN, CH₃CN, aerosols and particles (PM) in the air which in turn degrade the quality of both indoor air and outdoor air. Expert data suggest that in developing countries health impact of indoor air pollution is more significant than outdoor pollution.  6% of the death in the developing countries are attributed to indoor pollution.  Most of the indoor air pollutants originate from burning of biomass are potentially toxic which makes them a subject of study with respect to their impact on human health and environment.