Biofuel is the new alternative fuel source the public is talking about non-stop. This fuel source comes from biomass sources such as animal fat, soybeans, corn, and cellulosic materials used to convert them all into ethanol or biodiesel. The wide variety of benefits of using this fuel source promise a world of clean, renewable energy sources. Compared to fossil fuels, biofuels are much cheaper, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and are less likely to run out. However, through research and statistical analysis it is not worth investing time or spending money in producing such fuels. The use of biofuels as an alternative fuel source raises many negative environmental effects, social concerns, and inefficient technological methods used to produce them. While the purpose of biofuels is to be cheaper and more environmentally friendly, that is certainly not the case with other types of biofuels. . For example, creating biodiesel actually releases high levels of nitrogen oxides and peroxyacetyl nitrate when fertilizers are used. This causes harmful effects because nitrogen oxides deplete the ozone layer in the atmosphere. (Anslow,2007) Furthermore, bioethanol can be considered an additive to petroleum fuel which therefore increases emissions by up to 14-18% according to the study conducted by the California Air Quality Board. (Anslow,2007) Energy consumption is another issue to deal with when dealing with biofuels. When collecting and separating algae, a filtration process is used to remove unwanted water which then consumes energy. (Georgianna,2012) This is the same problem when dealing with bioethanol. Nitrate fertilizers in the United States account for 30% of energy consumption just to grow corn. Not only that, but herbicides, machinery,... half of paper... for the next 15-30 years to repay the investment (Humber,2009) In conclusion, biofuels should not be developed as an alternative energy source due of the extremely negative expenditure spent on technology and the effects it has on the environment and society as a whole. Works Cited Georgianna, D. Ryan Mayfield, Stephen P. “Exploiting Diversity And Synthetic Biology For The Production Of Algal Biofuels.” Nature 488.7411 (2012): 329. Advanced Positioning Source. Network. April 7, 2014.Anslow, Mark. “Biofuels: Fact and Fiction.” Ecologist 37.2 (2007): 34. Scientific Reference Center. Network. April 7, 2014. Huber, George W. Dale, Bruce E. "GRASSOLINE At The Pump. (Cover Story)." Scientific American 301.1 (2009): 52-59. Canadian reference centre. Network. 10 April 2014.The Economist. “What happened to biofuels?” The Economist 7 September 2013: n. page The economist. Network. April 10. 2014.