Acceleration and increase of hydrogen production by simultaneous fermentation of Clostridium butyricum and Rhodobacter sphaeroides on wine-vinasse substrate

A fermentation process for hydrogen production as a result of the simultaneous effect of Rhodobacter sphaeroides and Clostridium butyricum on a wine-vinasse substrate was realized in a single illuminated bioreactor. The kinetics of the cooperative process indicates rapid and enhanced production of hydrogen showing yield of 65.41 mmol/l vinasse with a mixed culture as compared to processes using the two bacteria separately that have yields of 27.41 and 25.49 mmol/l vinasse for Rhodobacter and Clostridium, respectively. The experiment with a mixture of the two bacteria revealed co-operative assimilation of almost all components studied in the following sequence: malic acid > lactic acid > residual sugars> tartaric acid > citric acid. The use of vinasse substrate for hydrogen production would be a significant ecological energy resource for enterprises producing wine brandies together with waste utilization