Study Urged on Water Demands of Next-Generation Biofuel Feedstocks
New York Times, Friday July 10, 2009

"Extensive studies are needed to understand the water needs of biofuel
production from cellulosic feedstocks or other next-generation sources,
federal auditors said in a preliminary report released yesterday.

"There is little information on the cumulative water, nutrient and
pesticide needs of these crops, and it is not yet known what
agricultural practices will actually be used to cultivate these
feedstocks on a commercial scale," the report says.

In addition to its use for growing crops, water is also needed for
biorefining. Current estimates say 1.9 to 5.9 gallons of water are
needed to produce a gallon of biofuel from cellulosic feedstocks, the
report says.

Storage and distribution of biofuels also deserves further research, the
report says.

Algae-derived biofuels' impact on water warrants further research, as
well, the report says.

"Algae have the added advantage of being able to use lower-quality water
for cultivation, according to experts," the report says. "However, the
impact on water supply and water quality will ultimately depend on which
cultivation methods are determined to be the most viable."

The report identifies two areas that require immediate attention: oil
extraction and contaminants. Research is needed on the oil extraction
process to preserve the water contained in the algal cell with the oil
for recycling. And more information is needed on how to best manage
contaminants found in the algal cultivation water."

http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/07/10/10greenwire-study-urged-on-water-demands-of-next-generatio-20773.html

See the link below for the full report.

ENERGY AND WATER
Preliminary Observations on the Links between Water and Biofuels and
Electricity Production (Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Energy and
Environment, Committee on Science and Technology, House of Representatives).
United States Government Accountability Office, July 9, 2009
http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09862t.pdf



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