Optimization of fermentation conditions for enhanced hydrogen production by newly isolated Clostridium butyricum ZYZCB strain.

This article focuses on the isolation and characterization of a hydrogen-producing bacterial strain, Clostridium butyricum ZYZCB, from air samples near an anaerobic sludge system, and its potential for biohydrogen production via dark fermentation. The study demonstrates that ZYZCB efficiently produces hydrogen from substrates such as starch, maltose, and glucose within a pH range of 5–9 and temperatures of 25°C–40°C, achieving a maximum hydrogen yield of 2.28 mol H₂ per mol glucose. Optimization of fermentation conditions, including substrate concentration (optimal at 10 g l⁻¹ starch), temperature (37°C), and pH control, enhanced hydrogen production by 25%, reaching 2210 ml l⁻¹. Compared to a commercial C. butyricum strain (CICC 23847), ZYZCB showed superior hydrogen production efficiency and substrate utilization, indicating its promising application in sustainable biohydrogen production.