A series of batch experiments investigating two different pH control strategies, initial pH adjustment and continuous pH control, have been carried out in large laboratory-scale reactors with working volumes of 30 L. In both cases, pH was varied between 5 and 7.5. Sucrose concentrations were also varied starting from 0 up to 30 g/L. Higher hydrogen production yields can be achieved by batch experiments through continuous pH control than by simple initial pH adjustment. In the case of continuous pH control, maximization of hydrogen yield was acquired for slightly acidic pH of 6.5. Continuous pH control in the neutral pH range of 7.0 and in pH lower than 6.5, induced a reduction in the hydrogen production yield. Sucrose can be completely degraded only for a pH higher than 6. Lower pH values seem to inhibit the hydrogen-producing bacteria. Under the conditions of continuous pH adjustment at pH 6.5 and a sucrose concentration of 25 g/L the maximum hydrogen yield of 1.79 mol H2/mol hexose was obtained. These conditions could be applied for the batch start-up of large fermentors.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
Research Article|
January 01 2012
Effect of pH control strategies and substrate concentration on the hydrogen yield from fermentative hydrogen production in large laboratory-scale
I. Mariakakis;
1Institute of Sanitary Engineering, Water Quality and Solid Waste Management (ISWA), Bandtaele 2, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Search for other works by this author on:
J. Krampe;
J. Krampe
2SA Water Corporation, 250 Victoria Square, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
Search for other works by this author on:
H. Steinmetz
H. Steinmetz
1Institute of Sanitary Engineering, Water Quality and Solid Waste Management (ISWA), Bandtaele 2, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Search for other works by this author on:
Water Sci Technol (2012) 65 (2): 262–269.
Article history
Received:
May 20 2011
Accepted:
July 18 2011
Citation
I. Mariakakis, J. Krampe, H. Steinmetz; Effect of pH control strategies and substrate concentration on the hydrogen yield from fermentative hydrogen production in large laboratory-scale. Water Sci Technol 1 January 2012; 65 (2): 262–269. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2012.777
Download citation file:
Sign in
Don't already have an account? Register
Client Account
You could not be signed in. Please check your email address / username and password and try again.
Impact Factor 2.430
CiteScore 3.4 • Q2
13 days submission to first
decision
1,439,880 downloads in 2021
51
Views
2
Citations