초록
<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Extremely halotolerant hydrogen-producing bacteria were investigated, owing to their ability to live in high-salinity conditions. Based on this characteristic, it was hypothesized that extremely halotolerant hydrogen-producing bacteria can tolerate high concentrations of Na<SUP>+</SUP> ions. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the characteristics of extremely halotolerant hydrogen-producing bacteria obtained from salt-damaged soil in Khon Kaen and a commercial salt pan field near Bangkok (Samut Sakhon), Thailand. The result of this preliminary investigation showed that hydrogen production under saturated conditions of 26% (6 M) NaCl was possible after one year of acclimatization. The extremely halotolerant hydrogen-producing bacteria in this study were also confirmed to have a requirement for Cl<SUP>−</SUP> ions for hydrogen production.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Bio-hydrogen production under conditions of saturated salinity was possible. </LI> <LI> No methane was produced under high salinity conditions. </LI> <LI> Extremely halotolerant hydrogen-producing bacteria require Cl<SUP>−</SUP> ions to produce H<SUB>2</SUB>. </LI> </UL> </P>