pH dependency of hydrogen fermentation from alkali-pretreated sludge

Batch tests were carried out to study the possibility of hydrogen production from alkali-pretreated sludge without seed and the pH dependency of hydrogen fermentation from alkali-pretreated sludge. Experimental results showed that the sewage sludge with alkali-pretreatment could be successfully applied to biologically producing hydrogen without seed and extra-feed. The results also showed that the initial pH value of sewage sludge was an important factor throughout the hydrogen fermentation of alkali-pretreated sludge. The maximum hydrogen yield was obtained at initial pH value of 11.0 (14.4 mL·g VS 1). The hydrogen yield of alkali-pretreated sludge at alkaline initial pH value was much higher than that of acidic or neutral initial pH value. The optimal pH value of hydrogen production from alkali-pretreated sludge was approximately 9.5. The consumption of hydrogen could be inhibited when the pH value of sludge was above 8.5. The change of hydrogen yield at various initial pH values was similar to that of sludge SCOD. The change of sludge pH value was slow and acetate was the major component of volatile fatty acids produced in the process of hydrogen production. The yield and the constitution of volatile fatty acids were sensitive to the initial pH value.