Basic Biological Processes
Fig 3.11 The myth that nitrifying bacteria are more sensitive to toxic substances than heterotrophs is just as stubborn and tenacious as an elephant. The myth is not tnte, just as
the elephant in this photo is not tnte, for it is a sculpture made by Giovanni Lorenzo
Bernini, the greatest sculptor of the baroque period. His works are found in Rome, such
as the high alter in StPeter's, the Fountain in the middle of Piazza Navona and the
elephant with the obelisk on its back at Piazza Minerva.
Reaction rate constants
In Table 3.10, reaction rate constants for nitrifying bacteria are listed.
Quantity
Symbol
Unit
NitroTotal
somonas
bacter
process
Maximum specific growth rate
Jlmax,A
d-1
0.6-0.8
0.6-1.0
0.6-0.8
Saturation constant
J g NH4-N/m 3
0.3-0.7
0.8-1.2
0.3-0.7
Saturation constant
J gOz/mJ
0.5-1.0
0.5-1.5
0.5-1.0
Maximum yield constant
Ymax,A
gVSS/gN 1 >
0.10-0.12
0.05-0.07
0.15-0.20
Decay constant
bA
d-1
0.03-0.06
0.03-0.06
0.03-0.06
Temperature constant for ~max,A
1(
oc-t
0.08-0.12
0.07-0.10
0.08-0.12
andbA
I) per g N03-N formed
Table3,10
Reaction rate constants for nitrification at 20°C
/14/,/15/,/12/,/16/.
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