Effect of Nitrogen Source and Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio on Hydrogen Production using C. acetobutylicum

Abstract

Problem statement: One of the main factors influenced the bacterial productivity and total yield of hydrogen is the nitrogen source and its concentration. Approach: Using different nitrogen source with different concentration on bacterial productivity of hydrogen showed to affect on both bacterial productivity of hydrogen and biomass concentration. Results: Yeast extract as nitrogen source at concentration of 13 g L^-1 was the best organic nitrogen source and resulted in hydrogen yield Y_P/S of 308 mL g^-1 glucose utilized with biomass concentration of 1.1 g L^-1, hydrogen yield per biomass Y_P/X of 280 mL g^-1 L^-1, biomass per substrate utilized Y_X/S of 0.22 and produced hydrogen in gram per gram of glucose utilized Y_H2/S of 0.0275. C/N of 70 enhanced the Y_P/S from 308-350 mL g^-1 glucose utilized with biomass concentration of 1.22 gL^-1, Y_P/X of 287 mL g^-1 L^-1, Y_X/S of 0.244 and Y_H2/S of 0.03125. Conclusion: Nitrogen source with proper C:N ratio enhanced the hydrogen production.