Abstract

Temperature is one of the most important factors affecting microbial growth and biological reactions. In this study, the effect of temperature on aerobic biodegradation of feces is described through the comparison and analysis of experimental oxygen utilization rates (OUR) profiles obtained from batch tests conducted at several temperatures covering mainly mesophilic and thermophilic ranges. Additionally, the temperature effect was incorporated into the bio-kinetic model introduced by Lopez Zavala et al. (Water Res 38(5) (2004) 1327) and simulation of experimental OUR profiles was conducted. Results show that mesophilic and thermophilic microorganisms behaved differently to temperature; additionally, results suggest that the optimum temperature from the viewpoint of feces biodegradability is within the thermophilic range, nearly 60 degrees C. The enzymatic activity of microorganisms at 70 degrees C was remarkably diminished. For better predictions in the mesophilic range, two fractions of slowly biodegradable organic matter were identified, easily hydrolyzable organic matter (X(Se)) and slowly hydrolyzable organic matter (X(Ss)).

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.