Final answer:
Biomass includes solid forms like wood and manure used for heating and cooking, and liquid biofuels used in transportation. The main environmental effects of solid biomass are air pollution and soil nutrient depletion, whereas liquid biofuels can impact land use and food supply. Sustainable sourcing is essential to minimize these impacts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Types of Biomass and Their Uses
Biomass is organic matter derived from living or recently living organisms, predominantly plants. The types of solid biomass include wood, animal manure (dung), herbaceous plant material, peat, and charcoal. These are commonly used for direct combustion to produce heat for cooking and heating, often replacing fossil fuels. Liquid biomass, or biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, are used in transportation because they can be easily integrated into existing fuel systems.
Environmental Effects of Biomass
Solid biomass burning can lead to lower CO₂ emissions if sourced sustainably, although it can also cause air pollution and soil nutrient depletion. Liquid biofuels might reduce dependency on fossil fuels; however, their production can lead to land use change and impact food supply if not managed properly. Both solid and liquid biomass need to be responsibly sourced to minimize their environmental impact and make them more sustainable energy sources.