Analysis of bio hydrogen production propensity of mixed consortium on food waste– A preliminary study

Biohydrogen production capability of isolated microbial consortium of Clostridium, Pseudomonas and rhodobacter sp. on food waste was studied. Isolation of the bacteria for mixed consortia was carried out with the help of anaerobic chamber. Batch test was conducted to evaluate fermentative hydrogen production of food waste collected from hostel mess and canteens at 35°C by a natural mixed culture. The experimental results indicate that the initial cultivation of pH markedly affected the hydrogen production. The reduction in chemical oxygen demand was observed from 408.4mg/l to 287.4mg/l with Clostridium, Pseudomonas and rhodobacter sp. COD decreases through the process as the food waste degrades. The production of hydrogen was found to be 49.55 ml of H₂/g COD reduced. This study inveterate the propensity of isolated mixed consortium for biohydrogen production on food waste.