Date of Award
5-2010
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Legacy Department
Microbiology
Committee Chair/Advisor
Henson, John M
Committee Member
Riley , Melissa B
Committee Member
Tzeng , Tzuen- Rong
Abstract
Thermotoga neapolitana is an anaerobic thermophilic marine bacterium that has been reported to degrade cellulose. This hyperthermophilic bacterium grows at 77¡C and could be used in large scale applications because of its ability to withstand extreme conditions. The aim of this study was to analyze the growth and production of hydrogen by T. neapolitana when grown on various carbon sources including the bioenergy crop switchgrass. Switchgrass was provided by the Clemson University Pee Dee Research and Education Center and was milled to about 4mm in size. Switchgrass was then added to an anaerobic medium and inoculated with T. neapolitana . Headspace gas analysis indicated production of about 5% hydrogen from switchgrass. The physical nature of the switchgrass was visibly altered and dry weight analysis indicated that about 9.4% of switchgrass was degraded. Treatment to remove lignin did not improve conversion efficiency. Heat treatment of the switchgrass by autoclaving did not have an effect on the hydrogen production. Increasing concentrations of switchgrass in the medium led to a corresponding increase in turbidity and the headspace hydrogen percentage. Potential effects of light on the growth and hydrogen production of T. neapolitana were also evaluated. When grown on carbohydrates in the dark, the growth as measured by turbidity was greater than when grown in room light conditions.
Recommended Citation
Chandrasekaran, Divya dharshini, "GROWTH AND HYDROGEN PRODUCTION FROM CARBOHYDRATES AND SWITCHGRASS BY THERMOTOGA NEAPOLITANA" (2010). All Theses. 847.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/847