EVALUATING THE WATER FOOTPRINT OF MAIZE-BASED BIOETHANOL PRODUCTION IN UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA
Sadanand Yadav, Afreen Fatima, Apoorva Singh Parihar, Deepa Srivastava
Ecological Footprint Lab, Department of Chemistry, CMP Degree CollegeUniversity of Allahabad, Prayagraj, 211002, Uttar Pradesh, India
ABSTRACT: The production of maize ethanol, a significant biofuel source, has garnered attention due to its potential environmental implications, particularly regarding water usage. This investigates the water footprint of maize ethanol, considering both direct and indirect water consumption throughout the production process. Utilizing the water footprint assessment framework, we evaluate the blue water (ground and surface water) and green water (rainwater which stored into the soil) usage associated with maize cultivation, processing, and transportation for ethanol production. Our findings highlight the substantial water footprint of maize ethanol, emphasizing the importance of water-efficient agricultural practices and sustainable water management strategies in mitigating its environmental impact. This paper analyzed “advanced bioethanol” potential from maize species and evaluated its environmental water footprint in India. Understanding the water footprint of maize ethanol is crucial for informing policy decisions, guiding agricultural practices, and promoting the development of more sustainable biofuel production systems.
KEYWORD: Biofuel, Cropwat, Maize, Water Footprint, Water Sustainability.