Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selective production of hydrogen and methane from a biomass feedstock in a reactor vessel maintained under anaerobic conditions by controlling moisture concentration in the reactor vessel. The method comprises the steps of introducing a biomass feedstock into the reactor vessel maintained under anaerobic conditions; introducing a bacterial inoculum into the reactor vessel to facilitate digestion of the biomass feedstock; setting a moisture concentration of the contents of the reactor vessel at a first moisture level; and collecting hydrogen gas from the reactor vessel. The method may further comprise maintaining the moisture concentration at a first moisture level or within a first moisture range. The method may additionally comprise increasing the moisture concentration of the contents of the reactor vessel to a second moisture concentration; and collecting methane gas from the reactor vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selective production of hydrogen and methane from a biomass feedstock in a reactor vessel maintained under anaerobic conditions by controlling moisture concentration in the reactor vessel. The method comprises the steps of introducing a biomass feedstock into the reactor vessel maintained under anaerobic conditions; introducing a bacterial inoculum into the reactor vessel to facilitate digestion of the biomass feedstock; setting a moisture concentration of the contents of the reactor vessel at a first moisture level; and collecting hydrogen gas from the reactor vessel. The method may further comprise maintaining the moisture concentration at a first moisture level or within a first moisture range. The method may additionally comprise increasing the moisture concentration of the contents of the reactor vessel to a second moisture concentration; and collecting methane gas from the reactor vessel.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a biomass enriched with hydrogen-producing bacteria or spores includes providing a biomass comprising a hydrogen-producing bacteria and a competing bacteria and treating the biomass with a sufficient amount of a chemical agent for a period of time such that the treatment (i) kills, inhibits or injures substantially all of the competing bacteria and (ii) does not kill or inhibit the hydrogen-producing bacteria or causes the hydrogen-producing bacteria to form spores that are not destroyed during the chemical treatment. The method also includes digesting an enriched biomass with a non-sterile organic substrate. The enriched biomass includes hydrogen-producing bacteria or spores that are mixed in sufficient quantities with the organic substrate such that the hydrogen-producing bacteria can overcome the competing bacteria to consume the organic substrate and produce hydrogen.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a biomass enriched with hydrogen-producing bacteria or spores includes providing a biomass comprising a hydrogen-producing bacteria and a competing bacteria and treating the biomass with a sufficient amount of a chemical agent for a period of time such that the treatment (i) kills, inhibits or injures substantially all of the competing bacteria and (ii) does not kill or inhibit the hydrogen-producing bacteria or causes the hydrogen-producing bacteria to form spores that are not destroyed during the chemical treatment. The method also includes digesting an enriched biomass with a non-sterile organic substrate. The enriched biomass includes hydrogen-producing bacteria or spores that are mixed in sufficient quantities with the organic substrate such that the hydrogen-producing bacteria can overcome the competing bacteria to consume the organic substrate and produce hydrogen.