초록
<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>H<SUB>2</SUB>-production was evaluated using a microbial consortium from sugarcane bagasse in natura (SCBn) to ferment cellulose from pretreated SCB (SCBp; steam explosion and delignification alkaline). Six batch assays were performed: (1) 0.5 g/l SCBn + 0.5 g/l SCBp; (2) 2.0 g/l SCBn + 2.0 g/l SCBp; (3) 0.5 g/l SCBn + 0.5 g/l glucose; (4) 2.0 g/l SCBn + 2.0 g/l glucose; (5) 0.5 g/l SCBn; (6) 2.0 g/l SCBn. H<SUB>2</SUB>-production was verified in all assays; however, the SCBp influenced the H<SUB>2</SUB>-production, since that was verified a higher production. The higher H<SUB>2</SUB>-yield was in assay 1 (1.2 mol H<SUB>2</SUB>/g substrate). The metabolites produced were ethanol and acetic, butyric, iso-butyric, lactic and propionic acids. In assays 1, 2, 5 and 6, the H<SUB>2</SUB>-production occurred primarily via acetic acid. In assays 3 and 4, the main metabolite was butyric acid. Microorganisms identified were grouped into distinct phyla: Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria, with a predominance of genera <I>Clostridium</I> and <I>Tepidimicrobium</I> that produce cellulolytic enzymes favoring the H<SUB>2</SUB>-production from SCB.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Use of sugarcane bagasse as inoculum and substrate sources. </LI> <LI> Pretreated sugarcane bagasse favors H<SUB>2</SUB> production. </LI> <LI> Bacteria that produce cellulases: <I>Clostridium</I> III and XVIa, and <I>Tepidimicrobium</I>. </LI> <LI> Predominance of <I>Clostridium</I> and <I>Tepidimicrobium</I> in the process of H<SUB>2</SUB> production. </LI> </UL> </P>