Critique Paper on Aquatic biomass (algae) as a future feed stock for bio-

refineries: A review on cultivation, processing and products

The paper discusses the possibility of utilizing algal biomass as feed stock for biorefineries. It includes a broad account on the previous studies done on algal cultivation,
harvesting and harvest technologies, oil and biomass recovery, and fuel conversion. It
has an organized format. Introductions were brief but clear and also serve as a refresher
course on topics concerning microbiology and biochemical engineering.
The paper also includes a number of formula, tables, and figures necessary that
acts a vital supplement on the topic. Because of the basic formula included, the reader
may not need to review or browse other reference materials. The table summarizes and
compares the important discoveries on the field in a more accessible manner. The
material and energy flow diagrams and process flow diagrams illustrated on the paper
show well-defined routes and are good references for future plant designs.
The paper also discusses the pros and cons of algal bio-refineries from the
technical and economic standpoint. The inclusion of the state of algal industries in India
offers an insight on the real world situation of bio-refineries today. These discussions are
of utmost importance to chemical engineers, who must design plants and processes that
are effective and economically feasible.
However, the paper includes numerous abbreviations and definitions, a
summarized table for both parts is needed for hassle-free reading of the paper. Because
of the broad scope of the paper, some sections were too short and were not given indepth explanations. Some sections in the paper also appear incoherent. Finally, the paper
is very technically written that the reader must have a strong understanding of
microbiology, chemistry, and biochemical engineering principles.
Overall, the paper is an excellent reading material for researchers and engineers
alike who desire to improve and contribute to the current state of algal bio-refineries.