SYSTEM FOR SUSTAINED MICROBIAL PRODUCTION OF HYDROGEN GAS IN A BIOREACTOR USING KLEBSIELLA OXYTOCA

摘要

The present invention provides a system of hydrogen production from microorganisms, wherein a bioreactor provides an environment conducive to the production of hydrogen from Klebsiella oxytoca metabolism and restrictive to the production of methane from methanogens. Klebsiella oxytoca metabolizes organic material at elevated temperatures and pH levels that are detrimental to methanogens. Fixed colonies of Klebsiella oxytoca are contained within the bioreactor, providing a sustained level of hydrogen production. The Klebsiella oxytoca metabolizes organic material in the organic feed material and produces hydrogen in substantially a 1:1 ratio with carbon dioxide. The environment in the bioreactor is preferably maintained between about 3.5 and 6.0 pH.