Is using biodiesel in a diesel car good for the environment?
It depends. Emissions of oxides of nitrogen can increase with the use of biodiesel in a conventional diesel engine. Biodiesel blended with conventional petroleum derived diesel at concentrations up to 20 percent (B20) is currently used in some diesel engines. Using either blended or pure biodiesel in a diesel (compression ignition) engine will reduce emissions of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, sulfates, and particulate matter. Since the feedstock for biodiesel can be domestically produced, it reduces the nation’s dependence of foreign oil.
