A relative-least-squares technique to determine unique Monod kinetic parameters of BTEX compounds using batch experiments

An analysis of aerobic m-xylene biodegradation kinetics was performed on th e results of laboratory batch microcosms. A modified version of the compute r model BIO3D was used to determine the Monod kinetic parameters, k(max) (m aximum utilization rate) and K-S (half-utilization constant), as well as th e Haldane inhibition concentration, K-I, for pristine Borden aquifer materi al, The proposed method allows for substrate degradation under microbial gr owth conditions. The problem of non-uniqueness of the calculated parameters was overcome by using several different initial substrate concentrations. With a relative-least-squares technique, unique kinetic degradation paramet ers were obtained. Calculation of the microbial yield, Y, based on microbia l counts from the beginning and the end of the experiments was crucial for reducing the number of unknowns in the system and therefore for the accurat e determination of the kinetic degradation parameters, The kinetic paramete rs obtained in the present study were found to agree well with values repor ted in the literature. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.