Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
685527 | Bioresource Technology | 2006 | 6 Pages |
The aerobic fat biodegradation potential and growth characteristics of a commercial and a native inoculum (activated sludge from a dairy wastewater treatment pond), were evaluated. Batch tests were conducted with a medium based on butter oil, as the sole source of carbon, and mineral salts. Residual fat, biomass and CO2 production were measured. Overall fat removal values were above 78% for both inocula. The growth kinetics of the commercial and native inocula followed Haldane and Monod models respectively. Both inocula showed a similar behaviour when butter oil concentration was under 360 mg/l; at higher values, the difference between the growth rates increased as a consequence of the inhibition exhibited by the commercial inoculum. The selection of an inoculum for bioaugmentation of bioreactors in the wastewater treatment requires a comprehensive knowledge of their degradation ability and tolerance to fluctuating compounds and of the operational conditions that will be utilized.