ABSTRACT
Biohythane production processes are greatly influenced by complex biochemical and physical parameters. The parameters such as the age and size of the inoculum, complexity of substrates, reactor configurations, pH, temperature, alkalinity, hydraulic retention time (HRT), etc., needed to be studied intensely for a better understanding of the system. Moreover, it also helps in scaling up of the process for commercial application. The performance of microorganisms in converting the reactant to the product is dependent on the efficiency of its enzymatic machinery. The optimum output from microorganisms could be expected at a defined pH, temperature, and substrate concentration. The bioreactor in which the microorganisms are grown also plays a crucial role. The design and configuration of the fermentor help in improvement of mixing characteristics, manipulation of overhead gas partial pressure, etc. Parameters like HRT and recycle ratio are influenced the bioreactor configuration. An ample number of reports was available regarding the improvement of biohydrogen and biomethane production via optimization of various physicochemical factors. This chapter illustrates the role of the above-mentioned parameters on hydrogen
production by dark-fermentative bacteria and biomethanation production.
