Biohydrogen production by Clostridium butyricum and Rhodopseudomonas palustris in Co-cultures

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated biohydrogen production by co-culture of Clostridium butyricum and Rhodopseudomonas palustris. C. butyricum and R. palustris were grown separately and together as batch cultures. Hydrogen production, growth, NH₄-N, total volatile fatty acid production, and sucrose degradation were monitored. The hydrogen production of the co-culture produced 562 ml, R. palustris 426 ml, and C. butyricum 333 ml. The co-culture produced 2.16 mol H₂/mol sucrose, C. butyricum and R. palustris produced 1.77 and 1.64 mol H₂/mol sucrose, respectively. The co-culture was more efficient in the hydrogen production. Therefore, the co-culture is a good method for biohydrogen fermentation.

KEYWORDS:

• Biohydrogen
• Clostridium butyricum
• co-culture
• fermentation
• Rhodopseudomonas palustris

Funding

This work was supported by a research grant from National Science Council of Taiwan, ROC. (NSC 102-2116-M-194-006).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a research grant from National Science Council of Taiwan, ROC. (NSC 102-2116-M-194-006).