Slide 1

Microbial Growth: Definitions and RelationsX = Biomass Concentration, mg/L

S = Substrate Concentration, mg/L

= Substrate Utilization Rate, mg/L/d

= Specific Substrate Utilization Rate, /d

= Gross Biomass Growth Rate, mg/L/d

= Net Biomass Growth Rate, mg/L/d

= Specific Net Biomass Growth Rate, /d

= Biomass Decay Rate, mg/L/d

= Specific Biomass Decay Rate, /d

YT = Yield Coefficient, mg X produced (gross) / mg S consumed

S, mg/L

q, /d

qmax

(1/2).qmaxKsWhen S is large (S >> Ks), q = qmax and hence, m = mmax

When S is small (S