Performance of batch solid state fermentation for hydrogen production using ground wheat residue

Ground wheat (21 g) was subjected to batch solid state dark fermentation for bio-hydrogen production. Clostridium acetobutylicum (B-527) was used as the culture of dark fermentation bacteria at mesophilic conditions. Effects of moisture content on the rate and yield of bio-hydrogen formation were investigated. The highest CHF (1222 ml), hydrogen yield (63 ml H2 g−1 starch), formation rate (10.64 ml H2 g−1 starch h−1) and specific hydrogen formation rate (0.28 ml H2 g−1 biomass h−1) were obtained with a moisture content of 80%. Nearly complete starch hydrolysis and glucose fermentation were achieved with more than 80% moisture content and the highest substrate conversion rate (21.9 mg L−1 h−1) was obtained with 90% moisture content at batch solid state fermentation producing volatile fatty acids (VFA) and H2.