[Screening of homoacetogen mixed culture converting H2/CO2 to acetate]

Homoacetogens are a group of microorganisms with application potential to produce chemicals and biofuels by the bioconversion of synthesis gas. In this study, we collected waste activated sludge samples to screen homoacetogens by Hungate anaerobic technique, and studied the effect of pH on acetate and alcohol production from H2/CO2 gas. The mixed culture contained Clostridium ljungdahlii, Lysinibacillus fusiformis and Bacillus cereus. Acetate concentration achieved 31.69 mmol/L when the initial pH was 7. The mixed culture containing homoacetogen could converting H2/CO2 to acetate, which provides an efficient microbial resource for the bioconversion of synthesis gas.