Effects of Inorganic Ions and Glucose on Hydrogen Production by Indigenous Microbes in Sewage Sludge

Abstract

The effects of inorganic ions (Cl-, K+, Na+ and Mg2+) and glucose concentrations on hydrogen production using sewage sludge microbes were studied. The experiments were investigated in the batch experiment by the heat mixed microorganisms at pH 5.5 and 35 °C. Cumulative hydrogen production increased with time for each ion and concentration to a maximum after 5-6 days. Hydrogen production decreased directly with inorganic ion concentrations. Generally, cumulative hydrogen production for a given time was highest in the absence of each ion except for Na+. Glucose concentration has affected on hydrogen and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production. The optimal loading concentration of glucose is about 20 g/l for maximum hydrogen production.