Biofuel production to become safer

A study has revealed a new technique that would allow the toxicity of biofuel to be measured before development.

Published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry, the investigation has produced a number of computer programmes that will help biofuel developers avoid creating a product that decomposes to give off unhealthy smog, carcinogenic particles or formaldehyde.

The study was based on calculations by Solvejg Jorgensen of the University of Copenhagen and undertaken following a chance mistake that illustrated how using the wrong molecules can affect biofuel toxicity.

"There is an almost infinite number of different ways to get to these fuels. We can show the least hazardous avenues to follow and we can do that with a series of calculations that take only days," the lead chemist said.

Recently, desert plant agave was identified as a possible candidate for biofuel production due to its rapid growth, adaptability and high sugar content.