Effect of organic substrate on hydrogen production from synthesis gas using Rhodospirillum rubrum, in batch culture

Photoproduction of hydrogen from synthesis gas has been carried out in a batch culture. The phototrophic anaerobic bacterium, Rhodospirillum rubrum was used to oxidize CO and water to CO2 and hydrogen in batch fermentation. The bacteria were grown under anaerobic condition in liquid media; acetate was used as a carbon source in presence of synthesis gas. The biological hydrogen production was catalyzed by R. rubrum via water-gas shift reaction. The effect of acetate concentration on cell growth, the kinetic model, the desired rate of hydrogen production and CO uptake were determined. Monod and Andrew's models were investigated and the data were well fitted with the models. The kinetic parameters and the mass transfer coefficient are defined. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.