Anaerobic Biohydrogen Production Using Rice Husk-Based Biologics

Abstract

A novel biologic was developed using recycled rice husk as the support carrier for enriching anaerobic biohydrogen production to enhance the biohydrogen production efficiency. The biologic was formed using a high-activity biohydrogen producer and rice husk at various proportions. The mixed inoculum and rice husks were dried from 25 to 80 °C. The dried biologics could be successfully enriched with high hydrogen production activity. The peak biohydrogen production (200 mL/L) was obtained at the biohydrogen producer in the mixing ratio of about 12:30 g dried rice husk at 50 °C. The peak biohydrogen value was higher when compared to the value which was obtained using the suspended seed inoculums (130 mL/L). Applying the Endo nutrient formula, it was found that could increase both the biohydrogen-producing activity and potential. Furthermore, a spindle-shape (like Clostridium sp.) microorganism was observed in the rice husk pores, using the SEM (scanning electron microscope) analysis. It is suggested that the rice husk could be applied to develop biohydrogen production biologics, cost-effectively.