Impact of light spectra on photo-fermentative biohydrogen production by Rhodobacter sphaeroides KKU-PS1

Purple non-sulphur bacteria can only capture up to 10 % light spectra and only 1-5 % of light is converted efficiently for biohydrogen production. To enhance light capture and conversion efficiencies, it is necessary to understand the impact of various light spectra on light harvesting pigments. During photo-fermentation, Rho-dobacter sphaeroides KKU-PS1 cultivated at 30(degrees)C and 150 rpm under different light spectra has been investigated. Results revealed that red light is more beneficial for biomass accumulation, whereas green light showed the greatest impact on photo-fermentative biohydrogen production. Light conversion efficiency by green light is 2 -folds of that under control white light, hence photo-hydrogen productivity is ranked as green > red > orange > violet > blue > yellow. These experimental data demonstrated that green and red lights are essential for photo -hydrogen and biomass productions of R. sphaeroides and a clearer understanding that possibly pave the way for further photosynthetic enhancement research.