EVALUATION OF INTRINSIC AND INHIBITION-KINETICS IN BIOLOGICAL FLUIDIZED-BED REACTORS

An experimental approach is developed in which batch experiments are d irectly performed in steady-state biological fluidized bed (BFB) react ors for the evaluation of biofilm intrinsic and inhibition kinetics. E xperimental evidence verifies that intrinsic data can be obtained from the batch experiments performed over short periods of time without al teration of immobilized cell physiology in reactors. Furthermore, the phenomena of substrate inhibition can also be examined using the propo sed approach. BFB reactors are capable of regaining their steady-state performance within 24 h after the termination of batch experiments wi thout showing any distress symptoms.