Assessing optimal fermentation type for bio-hydrogen production in continuous-flow acidogenic reactors

Bioresour Technol. 2007 Jul;98(9):1774-80. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2006.07.026. Epub 2006 Aug 28.

Abstract

In this study, the optimal fermentation type and the operating conditions of anaerobic process in continuous-flow acidogenic reactors was investigated for the maximization of bio-hydrogen production using mixed cultures. Butyric acid type fermentation occurred at pH>6, propionic acid type fermentation occurred at pH about 5.5 with E(h) (redox potential) >-278mV, and ethanol-type fermentation occurred at pH<4.5. The representative strains of these fermentations were Clostridium sp., Propionibacterium sp. and Bacteriodes sp., respectively. Ethanol fermentation was optimal type by comparing the operating stabilities and hydrogen production capacities between the fermentation types, which remained stable when the organic loading rate (OLR) reached the highest OLR at 86.1kgCOD/m(3)d. The maximum hydrogen production reached up to 14.99L/d.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria, Anaerobic
  • Bacteroides / metabolism
  • Bioreactors / microbiology*
  • Clostridium / metabolism
  • Ethanol / metabolism
  • Fermentation*
  • Hydrogen / metabolism*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Industrial Waste
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Propionibacterium / metabolism
  • Sewage / microbiology*
  • Waste Disposal, Fluid

Substances

  • Industrial Waste
  • Sewage
  • Ethanol
  • Hydrogen