Thursday, 1 September 2011

Fermentation

Advantages of Fermentation:

  • The raw materials used in the process are renewable resources
  • Acids are obtained which can be used in the production of certain foods
  • It allows the creation of ATP (energy) in the absence of oxygen
  • It produces hydrogen 
  • Fermentation plays a big role in acquiring the flavour of tea or wine
Disadvantages of Fermentation:
  • The process takes a long time
  • It produces alcohol that is not refined which creates a need for further processing
  • a byproduct of fermentation (VOC) is highly toxic to humans
Advantages of INDUSTRIAL fermentation:
  • It is very efficient and can produce a lot of alcohol in a shorter amount of time
  • The product is more refined 
  • The by-products of industrial fermentation can also be used in the production of consumer items because it breaks down and re-assembles biochemicals
Disadvantages of INDUSTRIAL fermentation:
  • High levels of energy are needed in this type of fermentation
  • Industrial fermentation uses resources that are non-renewable