Kinetic analysis of photosynthetic growth, hydrogen production and dual substrate utilization by Rhodobacter capsulatus

Rhodobacter capsulatus is purple non-sulfur (PNS) bacterium which can produce hydrogen and CO2 by utilizing volatile organic acids in presence of light under anaerobic conditions. Photofermentation by PNS bacteria is strongly affected by temperature and light intensity. In the present study we present the kinetic analysis of growth, hydrogen production, and dual consumption of acetic acid and lactic acid at different temperatures (20, 30 and 38 °C) and light intensities (1500, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 lux). The cell growth data fitted well to the logistic model and the cumulative hydrogen production data fitted well to the Modified Gompertz Model. The model parameters were affected by temperature and light intensity. Lactic acid was found to be consumed by first order kinetics. Rate of consumption of acetic acid was zero order until most of the lactic acid was consumed, and then it shifted to first order. The results revealed that the optimum light intensities for maximum hydrogen production were 5000 lux for 20 °C and 3000 lux for 30 °C and 38 °C.