Algae: the game-changers in biohydrogen sector
Thummala Chandrasekhar1, Puli Chandra Obul Reddy2, Battana Swapna3
1Department of Environmental Science, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, India.
Critical Reviews in Biotechnology
|August 14, 2024
Summary
Algae can be used to produce biohydrogen, a renewable energy source, through water photolysis. Optimizing factors like oxygen scavengers and hydrogenases enhances this sustainable energy production.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and Renewable Energy
Background:
- Algae are primitive photosynthetic organisms capable of producing biofuels.
- Algal biomass is often considered waste despite its potential for energy generation.
- Biohydrogen (H2) is an efficient renewable energy source derived from biological organisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in biohydrogen production from algae.
- To focus on water photolysis as a method for H2 generation in algae.
- To highlight factors influencing algal H2 production.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on algal biohydrogen production.
- Emphasis on water photolysis over fermentation pathways.
- Analysis of physico-chemical factors affecting H2 yield.
Main Results:
- Physico-chemical factors such as oxygen scavengers, nanoparticles, and hydrogenases can enhance H2 production.
- Various algal species suitable for hydrogen production are identified and summarized.
- Water photolysis is a key pathway for biohydrogen generation in algae.
Conclusions:
- Algal biohydrogen production holds significant promise for the energy sector.
- Optimizing conditions can improve the efficiency of H2 generation from algae.
- Further research can pave the way for industrial-scale algal biohydrogen production.
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