Influence of Nano Nickel Oxide (NNO) Particles on Hydrogen Production in Dark Fermentation of Palm Oil Mill Effluent

Batch experiment with initial pH of 5.5, was conducted to produce hydrogen from palm oil mill effluent (POME). Nano
nickel oxide (NNO) particles were supplemented (20-140 mg\l) to POME to enhance biohydrogen production. Clostridium
species LS2 was used as inoculum. At initial hydrogen production rate was significantly increased from 2 to 15 ml H2/h with the
increasing NNO particle concentration from 20 to 80 mg/l.. While the NNO concentration continued to increase from 80 to 140
mg/l, the hydrogen production rate gradually decreased. The maximum COD removal potential of 59 % was obtained in the
presence of 80 mg/l of NNO after 96 h of dark fermentation. Addition of nano micronutrient to the production medium enhanced
the hydrogen production rate and COD removal efficiency thus improved concurrent hydrogen production and pollution reduction
from POME with activated sludge.