EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND TOTAL SOLIDS CONCENTRATION ON HYDROGEN PRODUCTION FROM RICE WASTE

Abstract

A study was conducted to ascertain the effect of temperature and total solids (TS) on the hydrogen production potential of rice waste. This study used sludge as the source of Clostridium in equal proportion with rice waste on total solid basis. At 37°C the hydrogen yield was 26.39 mL/g-VS_fed, 58.4mL/g-VS_fed and 2.95 mL/g-VS_fed in 5%, 10% and 15% TS reactors, respectively, whereas at 55°C the hydrogen yield was 8.19 mL/g-VS_fed, only in 10% TS reactor. However, in 5% and 15% TS reactors, the hydrogen production was negligible. In all reactors, the maximum hydrogen yield was produced during 24 to 72 hours of incubation. The production of volatile fatty acids increased with time in all reactors at both temperatures (37°C and 55°C). For an economical generation of hydrogen from co-digestion of sludge and rice waste, the mix culture of Clostridium obtained from sludge at 37°C would be the best choice when used in equal proportion with rice at 10% TS.