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A mathematical model for the continuous culture of microorganisms utilizing inhibitory substrates
Author(s) -
Andrews John F.
Publication year - 1968
Publication title -
biotechnology and bioengineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.136
H-Index - 189
eISSN - 1097-0290
pISSN - 0006-3592
DOI - 10.1002/bit.260100602
Subject(s) - microorganism , substrate (aquarium) , inhibitory postsynaptic potential , function (biology) , chemistry , bacterial growth , biochemical engineering , ammonia , biological system , bacteria , biology , biochemistry , ecology , genetics , neuroscience , engineering , evolutionary biology
A mathematical model is presented for both batch and continuous cultures of microorganisms utilizing inhibitory substrates. The key feature of the model is the use of a inhibition function to relate substrate concentration and specific growth rate. Simulation studies show that the primary result of inhibition by substrate in a batch culture is an increase in the lag time whereas in continuous culture inhibition by substrate may result in process instability. The model should be of value in investigations of the stability of biological processes used for the treatment of certain industrial wastes such as those containing phenols, thiocyanates, nitrates, ammonia, volatile acids, etc., which are known to be inhibitory to many of the organisms metabolizing them.