Consider the following statements about bio-ethanol:1. First Generation bio-ethanol uses corn seeds and sugarcane as raw material.2. Second Generation bio-ethanol uses algae grown in wastewater, sewage or salt water to produce bio-ethanol.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q. Consider the following statements about bio-ethanol:
1. First Generation bio-ethanol uses corn seeds and sugarcane as raw material.
2. Second Generation bio-ethanol uses algae grown in wastewater, sewage or salt water to produce bio-ethanol.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[A] 1 only

[B] 2 only

[C] Both 1 and 2

[D] Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Notes:

Bioethanol is an alternative to fossil fuel transportation. It is categorized as first (1G), second (2G) and third generation (3G), based on the source of raw material used for bioethanol production.

First generation (1G) bioethanol uses corn seeds and sugarcane as raw material. There is not enough food for everyone; so, the use of 1G is a major concern.
Second generation (2G) bioethanol uses inedible farm waste left over after harvest. Corn cobs, rice husks, wheat straw and sugarcane bagasse can all be transformed into cellulose and fermented into ethanol.
Third generation (3G) bioethanol uses algae grown in wastewater, sewage or salt water to produce bioethanol.

India has been promoting 2G bioethanol to achieve its E20 target.

Source: EPIC August 2021

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