This is a free book that gives an overview of bioethanol, including its global production, feedstocks, fermentation, distillation, quality control, environmental impact, and future prospects. There are good references throughout.
Type of Material:
This is a text book.
Recommended Uses:
It would be used as a refernce source for self-directed study.
Technical Requirements:
The book is in a pdf format so Adobe Acrobat reader is required.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
To educate the reader about the uses of bioethanol, as well as the science behind the biomass-to-bioethanol conversion and its position in the world, both economically and politically.
Target Student Population:
Undergraduate audience, especially students studying chemistry, biology or environmental sciences.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
A general science background would be useful.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
Good overview covering many different aspects of the production and use of bioethanol. The book has ample references for additional reading.
Concerns:
The need to provide user information in order to access the book is a concern as are the many adverts.
This reviewer didn't check all physical constants in the book but the boiling point of ethanol is not 78.5oC - it is 78.3oC.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Easy to read and follow along. Nice use of tables, graphs to illustrate data.
Concerns:
There are no questions (like a textbook would have) so there are no opportunities for self-assessment. Large advertisements every few pages pay for the text but are a distraction.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The usual navigational keys work as one pages through the book.
Concerns:
None
Other Issues and Comments:
The need to provide user information in order to access the book is a concern as are the many adverts.
Creative Commons:
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