Anoxygenic Phototrophic Bacteria: Physiology and Advances in Hydrogen Production Technology

Abstract

The chapter focuses on the physiological aspects regulating hydrogen metabolism in anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria, along with technical and economical aspects of hydrogen production, with particular reference to purple nonsulfur bacteria. Studies on the growth phase of the organism are considered equally important as studies on hydrogen production by resting cells; hence, the chapter explains in general the physiology related to hydrogen metabolism and other important related areas of research on anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria. Biological hydrogen evolution is still in an exploratory stage in bioenergy production research, unlike methane (biogas) and alcohol production. There is enough justification to carry out further work that now concentrates on process development rather than on strain selection. For this futuristic research, a multi- and interdisciplinary approach is the need of the day. © 1993 Academic Press Inc.