[Conditions for the formation of molecular hydrogen by Citrobacter freundii]

Cell suspensions of Citrobacter freundii grown under anaerobic and aerobic conditions are capable of evolving molecular hydrogen. Hydrogen evolution is more active by the cells of anaerobic cultures in the exponential growth phase in the presence of reduced methylviologen or formate. The optimal temperature for hydrogen evolution from formate is about 40 degrees C, the optimal pH is 6.2 to 6.4. The presence of O2 in the gaseous phase inhibits hydrogen evolution by the cells; however the inhibition is incomplete and reversible. Nitrate also inhibits H2 formation from formate while fumarate does not inhibit the process.