Effect of mixing ratios in a batch reactor for biological hydrogen production

Abstract

This study was to evaluate the cause on the production of bio-hydrogen utilizing Distillery Spent Wash (DSW) and starch mixed wastewater in various mixing ratios under dark fermentation conditions with varying Hydraulic Retention Time in a batch reactor. The pH was kept constantly at 5.5 throughout the study. Thus the hydrogen production investigated in the batch reactor for following Hydraulic Retention Time 24h, 16h, 12h and 8h, the results revealed an extended and steady period of reactor operation with hydrogen percent in the biogas and hinders the methane production. The perfect mixing ratios and Hydraulic Retention Time were seen to be 50:50 (DSW: Starch wastewater) and 16h to 12h HRT with contrasting cumulative hydrogen yields of 3256.5ml and 2674.3ml with specific maximum production of hydrogen rate 468ml/L/d as well as 236.64ml/L/d with the best biomass improvement combination of 4.7g/l and 4.5g/l. The maximum Chemical Oxygen Demand removal rates of 68 and 50 percentage for the optimum HRT of 16h and 12h.