Balance and control of partial hydrogen pressure in the course of sulfate reduction

Acidogenic reactor of two-phase anaerobic process was adopted to treat sulfate-laden wastewater. Continuous-flow test was conducted to investigate the appearance and distribution of hydrogen. Experimental results showed that acid-producing bacteria (AB), hydrogen-producing acetogens (HPA) and fatty acids-utilizing sulfate reducing bacteria (FSRB) were main hydrogen producer in the reactor. And hydrogen-utilizing sulfate reducing bacteria (HSRB) was main hydrogen consumer. Low partial hydrogen pressure occurred in the course of sulfate reduction owing to the cooperation among the populations of AB, HPA and SRB. The regulations of hydrogen transportation between species, and the balance and control of partial hydrogen pressure were presented as well.