Biomass Definition Energy Source: Definition ,Introduction, Types, Disadvantages, Production

Energy flow in an ecosystem represents the transfer of energy from one trophic level to another through food chains and webs. Energy enters the ecosystem through photosynthesis by primary producers, then passes on to herbivores and ultimately to carnivores, with much loss of energy as heat at each step. Biomass is the total mass of the living matter at each trophic level which decreases as moves up the food chain because energy is being lost. This is a fundamental concept in biology discussed in the Class 12 chapter Ecosystem. It is a very important topic in competitive exams like NEET wherein questions often come on energy flow, biomass, trophic levels, and ecological pyramids.

What is Biomass Energy?

Biomass energy is renewable energy generated from plants and animals. For example, flowers generate electricity from biomass through photosynthesis. Biomass energy is far more beneficial to the environment than non-renewable energy sources such as coal.

Read More:

• MCQ Practice on Pyramid of Biomass
• Ecosystem
• Energy Flow in Ecosystem
• Biodiversity and Conservation

Definition of Biomass in Terms of Energy

The energy produced from biomass is called biomass energy. Any organic matter that can have energy in a reaction can produce biomass energy. It can be trees, leaves, pellets, droppings and other organic matter. From a technological point of view, biomass energy was discovered when people lived in caves. In the 13th century, Marco Polo described the use of biomass for fuel production, inspired by the Chinese who used it to cover sewage tanks for biogas production.

Biomass refers to organic matter from plants, animals, and other living organisms that can be converted into a source of renewable energy. Biomass includes all wood products, agricultural crops, waste, and algae, which absorb energy by photosynthesis. The stored energy inside biomass is released as heat or electricity when burnt or converted into biofuels and presents an alternative use of renewable sources instead of fossil fuels. Biomass energy is carbon neutral because the carbon dioxide resulting from its combustion is balanced by the CO₂ absorbed by plants as they grow.

Biomass energy can be converted into a variety of forms, including biogas, biodiesel, and ethanol, which can power vehicles, create electricity, and even warm homes. Biomass energy is irreplaceable because it reduces reliance on nonrenewable resources and decreases levels of greenhouse gases produced and therefore contributes to environmental sustainability. Biomass, as a renewable source of energy, holds a most important place in the international movement toward clean energy.

Advantages of Biomass Energy

The benefits of biomass energy are:

Biomass is widely available as a renewable energy source: The amount of organic material used in biomass production is limitless as our society continuously generates garbage, wood and manure.

Carbon neutral: As biomass fuels are a natural part of photosynthesis, they release only as much carbon into the atmosphere as plants absorb during their life cycle.

It reduces the overreliance on fossil fuels: Fossil fuels cause and limit environmental problems, such as releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide and pollutants into the atmosphere during disposal, transportation and production.

Less expensive than fossil fuels: Fossil fuel production requires significant capital investments such as drilling for oil, building gas pipelines and collecting energy, but biomass technology is much cheaper. Producers and manufacturers can earn higher profits with less production.

Disadvantages of Biomass Energy

Incineration harms humans because it emits large amounts of carbon dioxide, but synthesising biomass from waste is safer for the environment because it emits less carbon dioxide.

Biomass production can cause serious health problems or pose risks to people due to the lack of understanding and necessary procedures, especially in low-income areas.

Deforestation, land degradation and attack can be significant issues related to biomass production, depending on the resources used.

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