Step 1: Recall the role of aeration.
Aeration introduces sterile air into the bioreactor to supply oxygen required by aerobic microorganisms.
Step 2: Identify the primary purpose.
Oxygen acts as the terminal electron acceptor during aerobic respiration and is essential for microbial growth and product formation.
Hence,
\[
\boxed{\text{Provide oxygen for microbial metabolism}}
\]
is the correct answer.
Therefore,
\[
\boxed{(B)}
\]
is the correct answer.