Mesophilic Biohydrogen Production from Food Waste

A series batch experiments of mesophilic hydrogen production from food waste made by rice were conducted. The experiments were run in serum bottles to determine the optimal operating conditions to maximize hydrogen production. The effects of initial pH and substrate concentration on hydrogen production were investigated. A mixed microbial culture was involved in the fermentation process with H₂, propionate, acetate, butyrate, and CO₂ as major products. At the optimal condition of pH 5.0 and the waste containing 10 gCOD/L food waste, the maximum hydrogen yield was 113 mL/gCOD.