title: Effect of initial pH independent of operational pH on hydrogen fermentation of food waste.
abstract: The effect of initial pH from 5.0 to 9.0 on H2 fermentation of food waste was investigated. In this batch experiment, however, unlike previous studies for initial pH, operational pH was maintained at 5.0 by the addition of alkaline solution. Although the period for pH drop from the initial values to 5.0 was less than one-tenth of the entire fermentation, this short period significantly affected the H2 production performance. At initial pH 6.0-9.0, successful H2 yield of 1.3-1.9 mol H2/mol hexose(added) was achieved with a peak value at pH 8.0. The H2 yield achieved at initial pH 8.0 was corresponded to the 8.13% of total energy content in the substrate. At initial pH 5.0, the smallest butyrate production, but the highest ethanol production was detected, indicating unfavorable conditions for H2 production. There was no significant relationship between total required amount of alkaline solution and initial pH values.
authors.affiliation: Wastes Energy Research Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research, 102 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-343, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Dong-Hoon
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Sang-Hyoun
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Kyung-Won
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.forename: Mi-Sun
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Hang-Sik
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Shin
mesh_terms: D000468:Alkalies / Q000737:chemistry; D001419:Bacteria / Q000235:genetics; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal / Q000235:genetics; D058645:Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis; D005285:Fermentation / Q000502:physiology*; D005502:Food; D006859:Hydrogen / Q000378:metabolism*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D012996:Solutions; D014866:Waste Products / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D000468:Alkalies; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal; D012996:Solutions; D014866:Waste Products; D006859:Hydrogen