PRELIMINARY STUDY OF BIOHYDROGEN PRODUCTION USING COW MANURE AND TEMPEH WASTEWATER

Abstract

This study investigates two biohydrogen production scenarios using tempeh wastewater and cow manure: biogas conversion and dark fermentation. Process modifications, including pH adjustment to 6, temperature increase to 60°C, and chloroform pretreatment of cow manure, were implemented to enhance biohydrogen production. Comparative analysis revealed that while biogas conversion yielded a higher hydrogen volume (145.05 L H₂/kg substrate) with 82.73% energy efficiency, dark fermentation exhibited significantly higher productivity (143.96 L H₂/kg substrate/day) and superior energy efficiency (946.30%), despite a lower hydrogen yield (63.34 L H₂/kg substrate). The dark fermentation method demonstrated greater techno-economic feasibility due to its simpler process and lower energy input requirements, and the availability of suitable equipment for dark fermentation supports its practical implementation. This research advances sustainable energy solutions by enhancing biohydrogen production from agricultural waste, potentially reducing fossil fuel dependence and promoting a circular economy in the food processing and agriculture sectors.