ABSTRACT
Studies have been conducted to test the applicability of the theory of continuous culture to heterogeneous microbial populations of sewage origin growing on simple sugars in once-through chemostats. Thus, increased starvation afforded by slower growth rate either enhanced the development of biochemical and/or ecological conditions under which the more slowly and less readily degradable high molecular weight microbial products could be metabolized or otherwise hampered production and accumulation of such compounds. Thus, when the residual Chemical oxygen demand is released to the aqueous environment, that is, a receiving body of water, it is possible that 90% or more can be removed by aerobic biomass. Also prediction of the amount of residual product and its chemical composition can be of great importance when treated effluent is to be prepared for immediate reuse. Also the rate of substrate removal was greater in the glucose experiment, and faster growth may enhance opportunities for release of metabolic intermediates.
