VOC Emissions from the Potential Biofuel Crop, Switchgrass

Volatile organic compound (VOC) emission rates during the growth and simulated harvest phases were determined for three different cultivars of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) using laboratory chamber measurements. Switchgrass is a candidate for use in second-generation (cellulosic) ethanol production and the acerage dedicated to its growth in the USA has already increased during the past decade. We estimate that the yearly emissions from switchgrass plantations, including both the growth and harvest phases, will be on the order of 3 kg C ha-1 methanol, 1 kg C ha-1 acetaldehyde, 1 kg C ha-1 acetone, 0.9 kg C ha-1 monoterpenes, 0.5 kg C ha-1 isoprene + 1-penten-3-ol, 0.2 kg C ha-1 hexenals, and 0.1 kg C ha-1 hexenols. These emission rates are lower than those expected from Eucalyptus or Poplar plantations, which are other potential biofuel crops and have significantly higher VOC emissions.