The Eurekalert website reports two studies by Spanish and Dutch researchers which looked into the production of bioethanol from surplus biomass from the production of flax shives, and from Brassica carinata, "a yellow-flowered plant related to those which engulf fields in spring". The studies, both published in the journal, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, analyzed the environmental load associated with the different stages of the process: the harvesting of flax or Brassica; (1) the production of ethanol [through enzymatic hydrolysis followed by fermentation and distillation]; (2) blending the ethanol product with petrol [in varying proportions]; and (3) use of the product or its blends in passenger automobiles. The results of both studies show that "the use of ethanol-based fuels can help mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gases. However, these fuels also contribute to acidification, eutrophication, the formation of photochemical oxidants and toxicity (for people and the environment)". According to the researchers, the negative effects could be minimized with the use of high-yield crops, through optimisation of agricultural activity and better use of fertilizers..