Abstract
This study investigated pathways for anaerobic hydrogen production from biomass at low pH values, also known as dark fermentation. A 200 l bench scale anaerobic baffled reactor with four internal compartments was used for hydrogen production from wheat starch. The liquid fermentation products and hydrodynamic characteristics were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography, tracer studies, and gas analysis. A mean residence time of 29 h and a feed strength of 4 gCOD/l resulted in a total gas production of 230 l/d containing 42% hydrogen and 11% methane. The gas collected from the different compartments highly differed in composition showing a partial phase separation, with maximum H2 concentrations of up to 60% observed in the first compartment. 49% and 44% of the total H2 produced were derived during the formation of acetic and butyric acid respectively. Just 8% of the H2 was produced during propionic acid synthesis. Concentrations up to 1 g/l lactic acid built by the bifidum pathway was also observed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
