Biofuel is the new alternative fuel source that the public is constantly talking about. This fuel source is derived from biomass sources such as animal fat, soy, corn and cellulosic materials used to convert them all into ethanol or biodiesel. The wide variety of benefits of using such a fuel source promises a world of renewable and clean energy sources. Compared to fossil fuels, biofuels are much cheaper, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and are less likely to run out. However, thanks to research and statistical analysis, it is not worth investing time or spending money on manufacturing such fuels. The use of biofuels as an alternative fuel source raises many negative environmental effects, societal concerns as well as inefficient technological methods used to produce them. Although the goal of biofuels is to be cheaper and environmentally friendly, this is certainly not the case for other types of biofuels. . For example, the creation of biodiesel releases high levels of nitrogen oxides and peroxyacetyl nitrate when used as fertilizer. This causes adverse effects as nitrogen oxides deplete the ozone layer in the atmosphere. (Anslow, 2007) Furthermore, bioethanol can be considered as an additive to petroleum fuel which therefore increases emissions by up to 14 to 18% according to the study carried out by the California Air Quality Board. (Anslow, 2007) Energy consumption is another problem encountered when it comes to biofuels. When harvesting and separating the algae, filtration is used to remove unwanted water which then consumes energy. (Georgianna, 2012) It's the same problem when it comes to bioethanol. In the United States, nitrate fertilizers account for 30% of energy consumption in corn cultivation alone. Not only that, but herbicides, machinery,...... middle of paper......for the next 15 to 30 years to repay the investment (Humber, 2009)In conclusion, biofuels do not should not be developed as an alternative energy source due to the extremely negative spending on the technology and its effects on the environment and society as a whole. Works Cited Georgianna, D. RyanMayfield, Stephen P. "Harnessing Diversity and Synthetic Biology for Algal Biofuel Production." Nature 488.7411 (2012): 329. Advanced Placement Source. Internet. April 7, 2014. Anslow, Mark. “Biofuels – Facts and Fiction.” Ecologist 37.2 (2007): 34. Scientific reference center. Internet. April 7, 2014. Huber, George W. Dale, Bruce E. "GRASSOLINE At The Pump. (Cover)." Scientific American 301.1 (2009): 52-59. Canadian Reference Center. Internet. April 10, 2014. The Economist. “What happened to biofuels?.” The Economist September 7, 2013: n. page. The economist. Internet. April 10. 2014.