Reviewer Comments - EERE

2011 Algae Platform Review – Reviewer Comments
Reviewer Comments are direct transcripts of commentary and material provided by the Platform’s
Review Panel. They have not been edited or altered by the Biomass Program.
Reviewer Comments
Reviewer: 1 Criteria Score: 5
It is clear that results have been taken, mainly in an exploratory mode.
Reviewer: 2 Criteria Score: 3
The project is about 85% complete and has involved many departments at UGA and one partner in
Auburn. The project has been unable to use poultry litter to supply nutrients to algae (e.g. Chlorella) and
produce biofuel-quality levels of lipid; this is due to the high N causing biomass growth rather than lipid
accumulation (a relatively well known fact in background literature). Consequently the project has
focussed on biomass production, but the nutrient solution is dark so algae have to be grown in shallow
raceways and the product is smelly.
Reviewer: 3 Criteria Score: 6
Investigators are developing sustainable, cost competitive, algae technologies to enable biofuel
production and creation of a new domestic industry.
Reviewer: 4 Criteria Score: 3
See Overall Impression text.
Reviewer: 5 Criteria Score: 3
Unfortunately, it was difficult to evaluate progress, stated objectives, and milestones
Reviewer: 6 Criteria Score: 6
The data presented represents reasonable progress. Oveall the data lacked depth and the work seemed to
move from concept to concept, with only semi-superficial depth to the data accumulated. Tone should
nail down a pathway and really work to undestand it at all levels.
Reviewer: 7 Criteria Score: 3
The dark color of the PLE, the reduced productivity of growth in raceways with PLE, the odor issue, and
water recycle problems with possible concentration of color bodies indicate that this is not a viable
nutrient source.
3. Project Relevance
The project both identifies with and contributes to meeting the platform goals and objectives of the
Biomass Program Multi-Year Program Plan
The project has considered applications of the expected outputs
Reviewer Comments
Reviewer: 1 Criteria Score: 2
The work is so scattered it is hard to credit much true relevance to the OBP program goals.
Reviewer: 2 Criteria Score: 4
Nutrient supply is an important part of production of algal biofuels; however, the dark extract and
odiferous product may limit applications.
Reviewer: 3 Criteria Score: 6
Consistent with the objectives of the Algal Biomass program, although part of the emphasis is the cleanup
of poultry-derived wastewater.
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