Hydrogen production with a newly discovered cyanobacteria strain

Abstract

The escalating environmental challenges precipitated by the uncontrolled use of fossil fuels, notably the rise in global average temperatures, underscore the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions. This context has heightened the significance of exploring renewable energy sources, particularly through the lens of biological research aimed at uncovering viable alternatives to conventional energy forms. Against this backdrop, our study embarked on the isolation and characterization of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PSU 1262, sourced from the Badam River in the Turkestan region, employing 16S rRNA sequencing for its identification. The primary objective of our research was to assess the hydrogen-producing potential of PSU 1262 under a variety of environmental conditions. Our findings reveal that this strain achieves peak hydrogen production in slightly alkaline conditions and exhibits a marked decline in productivity when subjected to elevated sodium nitrate levels. Furthermore, we determined that PSU 1262 optimally generates hydrogen within a specific temperature range (27-30°C) and under certain light intensity conditions. These insights are pivotal, indicating that precise environmental management is essential for maximizing the biohydrogen output of this strain. The study conclusively highlights the capability of PSU 1262 as a promising agent for biohydrogen production, offering a significant contribution to the field of renewable energy and presenting a sustainable alternative to mitigate the environmental impact of traditional energy sources.