Growth of Photosynthetic Microorganisms in Different Photobioreactors Operated Outdoors

Photosynthetic microorganisms are promising candidates in a strategy to replace fossil fuels as feedstock for production of bioplastic and hydrogen (H2). These microorganisms have advantages over chemical synthesis since they grow using renewable energy sources (sun) and operate at ambient temperature and pressure. However, oxygen inhibition of the enzyme responsible for H2 production and the high cost of photobioreactors are preventing practical implementation of the process. This chapter presents experimental data of our group and some suggestions concerning photosynthetic microorganisms (cyanobacteria and purple non-sulfur bacteria) growth in outdoor photobioreactors for the biological H2 production and the synthesis of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate, a common type of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastic.