Continuous Bio-Hydrogen Production Using Activated Carbon As Solid Carriers from Molasses Fermentation

Continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) was employed to investigate immobilization technology applied to hydrogen bio-production with molasses wastewater as substrate. The immobilized system has the better solid fluid separation effect, and without bacteria overflow under high dilution rate (or low retention time), all of which show the potential of degenerating organic matters to molecular hydrogen and realizing continuous and stable hydrogen production. The research indicated that, activated carbon inoculated with aerated activated sludge established a good buffer system in the reactor, which could protect the hydrogen production system from exterior impact, expand the activeness applicable scope, further enhance the system ´s hydrogen production capacity. When the influent pH value do not adjusted, the system pH value may stabilize in 3.8- 4.4, which is optimal for hydrogen production with ethanol type fermentation. The reactor with ethanol-type fermentation achieved an optimal hydrogen production rate of 370 mlH₂/gVSS/d.