Substrate Composition and Effects on Biohydrogen Production

Dark fermentative biohydrogen production from various organic wastes has attracted increased interest in recent years due to the possibility of obtaining a carbon-neutral energy carrier along with partial stabilization of organic matter. This chapter compiles essential information on substrates of various origins that are of key importance for dark fermentative biohydrogen productivity. Simple sugars, industrial crops rich in carbohydrates, agricultural, industrial waste and wastewater are considered as the feedstocks. In addition, the role of the biochemical composition and concentration of the substrate are discussed. The diversity of native bacteria and the predominant groups of microorganisms inhabiting considered substrates of dark fermentation is studied. A significant point for increasing the efficiency of the dark fermentation process is physical, chemical, biological, and combined pretreatment of the feedstock in order to make it more accessible for microorganisms. At the end of the chapter, the main points that should be addressed in further research are outlined.