Explain how the use of biomass energy can both improve and decrease water quality.

Answer:

Biomass crops can improve water quality by taking up excess nutrients from soil and runoff, and using biomass instead of some fossil fuels can reduce pollution that eventually reaches waterways. However, growing and harvesting biomass may require fertilizers and pesticides that wash into water. Clearing or disturbing land can also increase erosion and sediment, and biomass processing or waste can release pollutants.