OREANDA-NEWS SPbPU scientists have developed a technology for producing biohydrogen from waste microalgae, which were previously used to treat wastewater from the food industry or absorb carbon dioxide from the air. According to experts, this approach will allow to simultaneously gain access to renewable eco-friendly fuel and reduce the impact of industrial effluents on the environment. The results of the study are published in the journal Processes.

Biohydrogen is hydrogen produced from biomass. The researchers explained that this is the most environmentally friendly type of fuel, since its production does not cause such harm to the environment as the extraction and use of fossil fuels. Biohydrogen can be used as fuel in hydrogen fuel cells, in cars, in energy sources for small devices, as well as where there is no access to power supply networks, which is especially important for remote areas and island areas.

"Microalgae, due to their properties, are promising raw materials for producing biohydrogen, they are capable of photolysis of water, that is, the decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen," said Natalia Politaeva, professor at the Higher School of Hydrotechnical and Energy Construction of the Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU).

She drew attention to the fact that wastewater from food enterprises contains substances necessary for the growth of microalgae, and the use of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as a source of inorganic carbon helps to reduce the carbon footprint.