🌱 Environment & EcologyUPSC 2017Sustainable Development

It is possible to produce algae based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry?1. Production of algae based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents.2. Setting up and engineering the algae based biofuels production requires high level of expertise/ technology until the construction is complete.3. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns.Select the correct answer using the code given below:

a1 and 2 only
b2 and 3 only
c3 only
d1, 2 and 3 Environment and Ecology 491
✓ Correct answer: b) 2 and 3 only
ExplanationBiofuels are hydrocarbon fuel that is created in a short amount of time—days, weeks, or even months—from organic matter (living or once-living material).Biofuels may be solid, liquid or gaseous in nature:Solid: Wood, dried plant material, and manureLiquid: Bioethanol and BiodieselGaseous: BiogasStatement 1 is incorrect: Algaculture (farming algae) can be initiated on land unsuitable for agriculture or saline water or wastewater.Statements 2 and 3 are correct: Producing algae for biofuels (excluding simple seaweed production) requires significant capi- tal investments, which may be a significant barrier in developing countries that have a weak investment climate.Also during the setup stage, the production of algae- based biofuels will necessi- tate expertise in advanced technology.SUPER HINT For S1, "seas ONLY" is an extreme absolute phrase and hence unlikely to be true.Thus eliminate options A and D. In contrast, S 2 and S3 are too general and practical to be false, hence more likely to be true.85

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