A strain of Ancylobacter bacteria capable of growing on 1,2-dichloroethane is isolated from sediment in the river Rhine. The bacteria are to be used for onsite bioremediation of soil contaminated with chlorinated halogens. Kinetic parameters for the organism are determined using data obtained from chemostat culture. A 1-litre fermenter is used with a feed stream containing 100 μM of 1,2-dichloroethane. Steady-state substrate concentrations are measured as a function of chemostat flow rate. (a) Determine μmax and KS for this organism.
(b) Determine the maximum practical operating flow rate.
Flow rate (ml h ) Substrate Concentration ( M)
10 17.4
15 25.1
20 39.8
25 46.8
30 69.4
35 80.1
50 100