Abstract: “The effect of the initial pH on the thermophilic dark fermentation of the sugarcane vinasse was studied. Two initial pH values were investigated (4.5 and 5.5). The maximum volumetric hydrogen production and hydrogen yield were 3.85 L H2 .L-1 vinasse and 52.2 mL.g-1 COD applied at an initial pH of about 4.5. The maximum electrical energy that can be obtained was 4.6 KWh. M3 vinasse-1 (16.5 MJ.m3 vinasse-1 ) after a day of the dark fermentation of vinasse at an initial pH of 4.5.”

Keywords: inasse, biohydrogen, pH, energy, dark fermenttion