Green technology for sustainable biohydrogen production (waste to energy): A review

• Published in: The Science of the total environment Vol. 728; p. 138481
• Main Authors: Mona, Sharma, Kumar, Smita S., Kumar, Vivek, Parveen, Khalida, Saini, Neha, Deepak, Bansal, Pugazhendhi, Arivalagan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.08.2020
• Subjects: Biofuels; Biohydrogen; Cyanobacteria; Fossil fuel; Fossil Fuels; Green algae; Hydrogen - analysis; Hydrogenase; Microalgae; Nitrogenase; Hydrogenase; Fossil fuel; Green algae; Biohydrogen; Nitrogenase; Cyanobacteria
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138481

Perceiving and detecting a sustainable source of energy is very critical issue for current modern society. Hydrogen on combustion releases energy and water as a byproduct and has been considered as an environmental pollution free energy carrier. From the last decade, most of the researchers have recommended hydrogen as one of the cleanest fuels and its demand is rising ever since. Hydrogen having the highest energy density is more advantageous than any other fuel. Hydrogen obtained from the fossil fuels produces carbon dioxide as a byproduct and creates environment negative effect. Therefore, biohydrogen production from green algae and cyanobacteria is an attractive option that generates a benign renewable energy carrier. Microalgal feedstocks show a high potential for the generation of fuel such as biohydrogen, bioethanol and biodiesel. This article has reviewed the different methods of biohydrogen production while also trying to find out the most economical and ecofriendly method for its production. A thorough review process has been carried out to study the methods, enzymes involved, factors affecting the rate of hydrogen production, dual nature of algae, challenges and commercialization potential of algal biohydrogen. [Display omitted] •Microalgae are a third-generation biofuel feedstock.•Hydrogenases and nitrogenases produce biohydrogen in microalgae.•Biohydrogen biorefinery can be useful for reducing cost for its production.•Challenges and improvements of hydrogen production have also been discussed.