Determination of Some Kinetic Parameters by Respirometry

Abstract

Individual kinetic parameters such as BOD, biodegradation of wastewater, reaction time, maximal substrate rate can be determined by respirometry. For the determination of main respirometric parameters (STBOD, BODr, reaction time, etc.) overall oxygen transfer coefficient, KLa, is needed. This parameter can be determined with dynamic method in an open respirometer at limited conditions (constant temperature, constant stirring conditions). It was found out that KLa is dependent upon concentration of the activated sludge; it can be determined with about 2% of relative standard deviation. The objective of our research work was determination of maximal exogenous oxygen uptake, re max and maximal substrate utilisation, µmax, which is very important kinetic parameter at wastewater treatment. These parameters show us the maximal substrate (wastewater) utilisation for appointed activated sludge.