What is the Difference Between Bio Carbon and Fossil Carbon?

The main difference between bio carbon and fossil carbon lies in their sources and impact on the environment.

• Bio Carbon: This type of carbon is absorbed, stored, and emitted by organic matter such as soil, trees, plants, and grasses. It is part of the fast domain of the carbon cycle, which includes the atmosphere, ocean, vegetation, and soil. Bio carbon is considered more environmentally friendly because it can be replenished more readily than fossil carbon.
• Fossil Carbon: Fossil carbon is obtained from burning fossil fuels like oil, coal, and gas. It forms when living matter dies, becomes deposited on the ground, and is eventually buried under extreme heat and pressure over millions of years. Fossil carbon adds up to the carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

Determining the difference between bio carbon and fossil carbon is crucial for understanding the environmental impact of carbon emissions. The BioAuthenticator project, for example, aims to detect radiocarbon to differentiate between these carbon sources. It is essential to develop effective methods to distinguish between bio carbon and fossil carbon to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

Comparative Table: Bio Carbon vs Fossil Carbon

The main difference between bio carbon and fossil carbon lies in their sources, storage, and renewability. Here is a table summarizing the differences between bio carbon and fossil carbon:

Bio carbon is a form of renewable carbon found in living organisms, microorganisms, soil, and oceans, while fossil carbon is a form of non-renewable carbon found in fossil fuels. Bio carbon is part of the fast domain of the carbon cycle, with turnover times in the range of 1-100 years for vegetation and 10-500 years for soil. In contrast, fossil carbon is part of the slow domain of the carbon cycle, with turnover times exceeding 10,000 years.