High Biomass Sorghum as a Potential Raw Material for Biohydrogen Production: A Preliminary Evaluation

Abstract

Six high biomass sorghum lines (IS 22868, IS 27206, IS 15957, IS 16529, ICSV 93046 and CSH 22SS were evaluated for their potential as a substrate material for biohydrogen production by anaerobic fermentation using methanogens deactivated cow dung based mixed microbial consortia. The data revealed that all selected high biomass sorghum lines differed significantly for candidate biomass traits as well as for biomass composition. The high biomass lines, IS 27206 and IS 22868 recorded higher stalk and stover yield compared to others. Least biomass yield (stalk and stover) was noticed with ICSV 93046. The lignin content is low in IS 27206 and IS 15957. Highest biohydrogen yield was observed in IS 27206 followed by IS 22868 and ICSV 93046. The lignin content is negatively correlated with biohydrogen production.