*4.1.2 Environmental pollution*

The use of fertilizers and pesticides in corn production can pollute waterways and harm aquatic ecosystems.

### *4.1.3 Increased water use*

Corn production requires significant amounts of water, and the production of biofuels requires even more water due to the processing and conversion of the corn into fuel. This can exacerbate water scarcity in regions where water resources are already limited [51].

### *4.1.4 Soil degradation and erosion*

The high demand for corn production can lead to intensive farming practices that strip the soil of nutrients and increase the risk of erosion. Soil erosion can contribute to land degradation, loss of agricultural productivity, and increased sedimentation in waterways.
