Photoproduction of Hydrogen under Different Cultural Conditions by Alginate Immobilized Rhodopsedomonas palustris KU003

Rhodopsedomonas palustris KU003 was immobilized in alginate and its hydrogen producing abilities were assessed. Maximum hydrogen production took place between 120 and 144 hrs in most carbon sources. Alginate immobilization induced higher amount of hydrogen in malate-, lactate-, and succinate-containing medium in Rps. palustris . Incubation period of 120 hrs was optimum for production of hydrogen. pH 7.0 ± 0.4 was optimum for production of hydrogen. L-glutamic acid was a good nitrogen source for production of hydrogen. Glucose and sorbitol were poorer substrates as they induced only limited amount of hydrogen. Anaerobic light induced comparatively more amount of hydrogen in the bacteria under investigation than in anaerobic dark. Thiourea was a poor nitrogen source for the production of hydrogen by Rps. palustris . Results of the above are discussed in the light of existing literature in this communication.