Estimation of Potential Biohydrogen from Palm Oil Mills’ Effluent in Nigeria using Different Microorganisms under Light Independent Fermentation

Nigeria is the fifth largest oil palm producing nation with 930,000 metric tonnes in 2014 economic year. During oil palm processing, large volume of water are used and a significant amount end up as palm oil mill effluents (POME). POME has high pollution index due to high biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). This study estimates the potential biohydrogen yield from POME generated in Nigeria using different microorganisms (Thermoanaerobacterium, Clostridium butyricum, POME mixed culture) at nearly same condition of temperature (60ºC) and pH (5.5) under light independent fermentation. Projections of the production growth rate were made using secondary data. Results show that at anaerobic condition biohydrogen yield were in the order Thermoanaerobacterium> Clostridium butyricum> POME mixed culture. The potential hydrogen yield using Thermoanaerobacterium could have been 57 billion L in 2004, which could have reached 67 billion L in 2013. It was projected that hydrogen content could reach 101, 84, and 75 billion L at high, low and current growth rate scenario respectively by 2029. After considering the POME conversion potential challenges, about 45 – 55% of the theoretical yield estimated could be produced. Biohydrogen can be used as combined heat and power due to their high calorific value

Estimation of Potential Biohydrogen from Palm Oil Mills’ Effluent in Nigeria using Different Microorganisms under Light Independent Fermentation Keywords:

Biohydrogen , Light Independent Fermentation , POME , Renewable Energy