On the optimal design and control of a biodegradation process with substrate inhibition kinetics

Journal Article · Mon Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1999 · Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ie980364o· OSTI ID:338578

Villadsen, J ^[1]

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1. Technical Univ. of Denmark, Lyngby (Denmark). Dept. of Biotechnology

The degradation of a pollutant in batch and continuous operation is studied. Very often the microbial system used to degrade toxic industrial pollutants is severely substrate inhibited, and it is shown that batch operation is usually ineffective compared to continuous operation in a stirred tank. Recirculation of cells to the continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) is particularly advantageous for the carbon-lean waste streams treated here. Not only is the rate of pollutant degradation much higher but the stability of the steady-state operation is greatly enhanced. Finally it is shown that the operation of the CSTR is stabilized by addition of a second microorganism.

• OSTI ID: 338578
• Journal Information: Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, Vol. 38, Issue 3; Other Information: PBD: Mar 1999
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
TOXIC MATERIALS
BIODEGRADATION
INDUSTRIAL WASTES
BIOREACTORS
MICROORGANISMS
WASTE WATER
WATER TREATMENT