Researchers ID bacterial mix to double bio hydrogen output

Researchers in Spain have identified a naturally occurring algal-bacterial species community that can double the production of bio hydrogen (bioH2), PV Magazine reported on Friday.

BioH2, or biologically produced hydrogen, is produced from water and certain types of biomass. Bacteria and algae are capable of producing hydrogen from water or biological waste under certain conditions, and for more than two decades researchers have been trying to optimise this process.

Thus far, bioH2 production has been deemed commercially unfeasible due to its low production rate.

However, a team at the University of Cordoba was able to identify a bacterial community that maintains equilibrium for longer, avoiding common issues such as overgrowth, thus extending the productive period.

Advances such as this, combined with the integration of bioH2 setups with waste management and biomass valorisation processes, could lead to a commercially viable output, PV Magazine reported.