| Abstract |
| This paper focuses on the effects of organic loading rate (OLR) and solid retention time (SRT) in a continuous-operation anaerobic bioreactor. The OLR was varied from 12.4 to 49.5 g glucose/L/day without SRT control. And then the SRTs of 10 and 20 days were controlled at HRT 8 h and OLR 49.5 g glucose/L/day. The volatile fatty acids were monitored to indicate the efficiency of hydrogen gas production. From the experimental results, the increased propionic acid concentration was observed at the increased OLR without SRT control, which resulted in failing the hydrogen gas production. The hydrogen gas was not produced too at SRT 20 days and OLR 49.5 g glucose/L/day. However, at the SRT 10 days, a maximum hydrogen yield of 0.82 mol H2/mol glucose was achieved. It was estimated that the homoacetogenic reaction was predominant at an SRT of 20 days but was enfeebled at the SRT 10 days. Theoretical analysis confirmed that the OLR and the SRT should be controlled simultaneously to maintain a proper F/M ratio and then to enhance the hydrogen production during anaerobic fermentation. |
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| Key Words |
| Bio-hydrogen production, Fermentation, Organic loading rate, Sludge retention time, F/M ratio, Volatile fatty acids |
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