Optimal conditions for biological hydrogen production from food waste

Abstract

Biohydrogen production from food waste via dark fermentation was conducted by using mixed culture under various environmental conditions (initial pH, initial F/M ratio, initial ferrous iron (Fe2+), and temperature condition) in batch reactor. The results revealed that the maximum hydrogen yield of 46.19 mL H2/g CODadd was achieved at the optimal conditions (initial pH 8.0, initial F/M ratio 4.0, initial iron concentration 100 mg FeSO4/L and thermophilic condition (55±1°C)). Furthermore, major volatile fatty acid (VFA) productions of butyrate (765.66 mg/L) and acetate (324.69 mg/L) were detected and COD removal efficiency was detected at 66.00%. Therefore, these optimal conditions could be recommended to operate a system.