Biomass can describe biological material, a renewable energy resource, or the amount of living matter in an ecosystem. Its meaning depends on the field in which the term is used. This lesson explains the main definitions of biomass, how its composition varies, how it is used in energy conversion, and how ecologists measure it.
In its broadest sense, biomass is material produced by the growth of microorganisms, plants, or animals. Some contexts use a narrower definition, such as plant matter alone; others include both plant and animal matter. The appropriate definition therefore depends on the industry or subject being discussed.
All flashcards
What is biomass in the broadest sense?
Biomass is material produced by the growth of microorganisms, plants, or animals. Particular fields may use narrower definitions.
What distinguishes first-generation biomass feedstocks?
They are typically energy-dense crops or oils, such as rapeseed, sugarcane, and corn, with high sugar or oil content that can support production of biofuels or bioplastics.
What is one major trade-off of using food crops as energy feedstocks?
Greater demand can raise crop prices, and land used for energy crops may be unavailable for growing food for people or feed for animals.
How is biomass commonly expressed in ecological studies?
It is commonly expressed as the total weight of carbon contained in the organisms included in the chosen group or ecosystem.
What does biomass mean in the activated sludge process?
It refers to bacteria and other microorganisms that break down pollutants in wastewater; these organisms form part of sewage sludge.
Quiz questions
What is the broadest general meaning of biomass?Answer: Material produced by the growth of microorganisms, plants, or animals.
What can influence the composition of a biomass source?Answer: Its biological source and the presence of non-biological contaminants.
What is one trade-off of using crops as first-generation energy feedstocks?Answer: Crop demand can raise prices and divert land from food or feed production.
Why can second-generation biomass be difficult to convert into useful products?Answer: Its varied mixture of compounds can be difficult to process.
Based on the Wikipedia article Biomass, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.