Biodegradability test results related to quality and quantity of the inoculum

Abstract

For a series of different biodegradation test methods the biodegradation curves are simulated by computer. Simulations are performed on the basis of Monod growth kinetics corrected for cell decay. The possibility of discriminating between growth rates is related to variability of the inoculum quality and quantity. It is concluded that the variability of the inoculum masks all other information. The Repetitive Die Away test, however, offers a good opportunity to obtain information on growth rates that is highly relevant to environmental assessment. The conclusions derived from the computer-simulated curves are confirmed by experimental data.