The diagram shows the process of how ethanol, a type of biofuel, is made from plants and trees. It includes several stages, starting with plant growth and ending with the use of ethanol in vehicles.
Overall, the production of ethanol begins with the growth of plants and ends with its use in transport. The process involves harvesting, pre-processing, conversion to sugar, fermentation, and finally, fuel distribution. Carbon dioxide is released at several steps, but the cycle also includes plant growth, which absorbs it.
First, plants and trees grow by using sunlight and carbon dioxide. These are then harvested using machines. After harvesting, the plants go through a pre-processing stage, where they are broken down into cellulose. During this step, carbon dioxide is released into the air.
Next, the cellulose is sent to a processing plant where it is converted into sugar. This sugar is a key ingredient in making ethanol.
After the sugar is formed, microbes are added to help with fermentation. This turns the sugar into ethanol. Once ethanol is produced, it is used as a fuel for cars, trucks, and planes. However, the use of ethanol in transport also leads to the release of carbon dioxide.