Bio-hydrogen production enhancement by co-cultivating Rhodopseudomonas palustris WP3-5 and Anabaena sp. CH3

Photobiological H2 production is a promising method for renewable energy development. An innovative system that co-cultivating Rhodopseudomonas palustris WP3-5 and Anabaena sp. CH3 was carried out to estimate the effect of co-cultivation on H2 production enhancement. H2 production prolongation and enhancement were observed due to the light and metabolic compatibility of these two strains. Co-culture system served by acetate and fructose as carbon source can accumulate H2 in 140.8 mL, almost double than the sum of individuals. Moreover, the enhancement of H2 production was significantly affected by the mixed ratio of two strains. The mixed ratio (WP3-5:CH3) of 1:2 showed a highest H2 production rate in 44.8 mL-H2/L-culture/h, and both 2:1 and 1:2 exhibited a relatively high substrate conversion efficiency during the latest period of cultivation, whereas the mixed ratio of 1:1 and 3:1 only revealed a prolongation in H2 production due to metabolic compatibility of two strains.

► An innovatively integrated system for H2 production enhancement was studied.
► Co-culture of Rhodopseudomonas palustris with Anabaena sp. increased substrate conversion rate.
► H2 production was prolonged in all co-cultures due to metabolic compatibility.
► Mixed ratio (WP3-5:CH3) of 2:1 and 1:2 definitely enhanced the H2 production.