Environmental impact of biogas: A short review of current knowledge

The social acceptance of biogas is often hampered by environmental and health concerns. In this study, the current knowledge about the impact of biogas technology is presented and discussed. The survey reports the emission rate estimates of the main greenhouse gases (GHG), namely CO 2 , CH 4 and N 2...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of environmental science and health. Part A, Toxic/hazardous substances & environmental engineering Toxic/hazardous substances & environmental engineering, 2018-08, Vol.53 (10), p.899-906
Main Authors: Paolini, Valerio, Petracchini, Francesco, Segreto, Marco, Tomassetti, Laura, Naja, Nour, Cecinato, Angelo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aerosols
Air pollution
Air quality
Ammonia
anaerobic digestion
Animals
Biofuels - statistics & numerical data
Biofuels - supply & distribution
Biofuels - toxicity
Biogas
Biomass
Carbon dioxide
Carbon Dioxide - analysis
Case studies
Conservation of Energy Resources
digestate
Emissions
Environment
Environmental impact
Environmental Monitoring
Gases - supply & distribution
Gases - toxicity
Greenhouse effect
Greenhouse gases
Groundwater
Humans
Methane
Methane - metabolism
Nitrogen - metabolism
Nitrogen oxides
Nitrous oxide
Oxides
Photochemicals
Pollutants
renewable energy
secondary aerosol
Soil
Soil fertility
waste management
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Summary:The social acceptance of biogas is often hampered by environmental and health concerns. In this study, the current knowledge about the impact of biogas technology is presented and discussed. The survey reports the emission rate estimates of the main greenhouse gases (GHG), namely CO 2 , CH 4 and N 2 O, according to several case studies conducted over the world. Direct emissions of gaseous pollutants are then discussed, with a focus on nitrogen oxides (NO x ); evidences of the importance of suitable biomass and digestate storages are also reported. The current knowledge on the environmental impact induced by final use of digestate is critically discussed, considering both soil fertility and nitrogen release into atmosphere and groundwater; several case studies are reported, showing the importance of NH 3 emissions with regards to secondary aerosol formation. The biogas upgrading to biomethane is also included in the study: with this regard, the methane slip in the off-gas can significantly reduce the environmental benefits.
ISSN:1093-4529
1532-4117
DOI:10.1080/10934529.2018.1459076