Development of anaerobic immobilized-cell processes for biohydrogen production

Abstract

Self-formation of granules or biofilms has been noted in anaerobic biohydrogen reactors, yet few underlying principles describing the phenomenon have been drawn. A major drawback of the cell immobilization is the long startup period, which generally requires a few months for the development of hydrogen-producing granules or biofilms. The present research attempted to accelerate the development of cell immobilization and to lay a rational foundation describing the mechanisms involved by examining physicochemical, microbiological, and biological characteristics of the hydrogen-producing cultures.