Using mixed anaerobic communities to convert low value biomass into hydrogen

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Current research on microbial hydrogen production is focused on using pure and mixed cultures. Studies with pure cultures have utilized sterile substrates to prevent contamination. Substrate sterilization is a major disadvantage for processes using pure cultures. Microbial cultures which are able to utilize non-sterile feedstocks could be more flexible and cost effective. Low value agriculture residues such as corn stover and wheat stalks are possible sources of non-sterile feedstocks. Mixed cultures containing acidogens, acetogens and methanogens can consume sugars derived from low value agriculture residues. However, a major concern related to sustained hydrogen production is the presence of hydrogen consuming organisms in mixed anaerobic communities. The proposed research will focus on using long chain fatty acids (LCFAs) to inhibit the hydrogen consuming population. The research plan provides an outline for investigating and developing an anaerobic process for producing hydrogen using low value agriculture agriculture residues. The short-term objectives will identify environmental and process parameters affecting hydrogen production. Batch studies will be conducted to examine the effect of several long chain fatty acids (LCFAs) on the fermentation of pentose and hexose sugars. Adding LCFAs will be employed to increase hydrogen production by inactivating non-spore forming hydrogen consuming organisms and selecting the more favorable hydrogen producing bacteria in both batch and continuous flow studies. The major thrust of the long-term objectives will focus on developing a sustainable continuous system to generate hydrogen.