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Estimating biomass yield coefficients for autotrophic ammonia and nitrite oxidation from batch respirograms
1Environmental Engineering Program, University of Connecticut, Storrs 06269-2037, USA.
Water Research
|August 7, 2001
Summary
Accurate biomass yield coefficients are crucial for understanding autotrophic ammonia oxidation. Using incorrect calculations for heterotrophic processes leads to significant overestimations in autotrophic yield and growth rates.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Biochemical engineering
- Stoichiometry
Background:
- Batch respirometry is vital for kinetic characterization of biological processes.
- Biomass yield coefficient links biomass synthesis, substrate consumption, and oxygen uptake.
- Accurate yield coefficients are essential for stoichiometric modeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- Derive accurate biomass yield coefficients for autotrophic ammonia and nitrite oxidation.
- Compare conventional heterotrophic yield calculations with autotrophic requirements.
- Highlight the impact of erroneous yield estimates on kinetic parameter determination.
Main Methods:
- Developed expressions for autotrophic biomass yield coefficients.
- Utilized a mechanistically based electron balance equation.
- Applied batch respirometry data for kinetic analysis.
Main Results:
- Conventional heterotrophic yield expressions result in erroneous autotrophic yield estimates.
- Autotrophic yield coefficients were overestimated by 27–36%.
- Overestimated yield values led to 30–40% overestimates in maximum specific growth rate.
Conclusions:
- Employing the correct expression for autotrophic biomass yield is essential.
- Inaccurate yield estimation significantly impacts subsequent kinetic parameter calculations.
- Correct stoichiometric modeling is critical for reliable biological process characterization.