Effect of nitrogen source and carbon to nitrogen ratio on hydrogen production using C. acetobutylicum

Abstract

Problem statement: One of the main factors influenced the bacterial productivity and total yield of hydrogen is the nitrogen source and its concentration. Approach: Using different nitrogen source with different concentration on bacterial productivity of hydrogen showed to affect on both bacterial productivity of hydrogen and biomass concentration. Results: Yeast extract as nitrogen source at concentration of 13 g L-1 was the best organic nitrogen source and resulted in hydrogen yield YP/S of 308 mL g-1 glucose utilized with biomass concentration of 1.1 g L -1, hydrogen yield per biomass YP/X of 280 mL g -1 L-1, biomass per substrate utilized YX/S of 0.22 and produced hydrogen in gram per gram of glucose utilized YH2/S of 0.0275. C/N of 70 enhanced the YP/S from 308-350 mL g -1 glucose utilized with biomass concentration of 1.22 gL -1, YP/X of 287 mL g-1 L-1, Y X/S of 0.244 and YH2/S of 0.03125. Conclusion: Nitrogen source with proper C:N ratio enhanced the hydrogen production. © 2008 Science Publications.