Microbial Activity Evolution during the Acclimation of a Mixed Culture to Phenol: Use of CO2 Evolution Rate as Indicator

Abstract

The microbial activity during the aerobic acclimation of activated sludge to phenol was studied. Carbon dioxide evolution rate (CER), measured in a sequencing batch reactor coupled to an infra-red system, was utilized as the activity control parameter. It was found that CER is representative of the microbial metabolism. Moreover, it was observed that starvation periods during acclimation had a negative effect on biodegradation rate.