Starvation response in biological treatment systems

Experiments were conducted over a nine month study period to determine the effects of starvation on the efficiency of microorganisms to degrade benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and m-xylene (BTEX) in a contained salt water environment. Organisms were grown in a bench scale continuous stir tank reactor (CSTR). Respiration and BTEX removal rates were used to assess microbial activity in response to starvation. Alternative operating strategies to mitigate the effects of starvation, from the use of commercially produced supplements, and alternative substrates to modification of aeration in the tank were investigated. Based on the results of the studies aeration modification appears to be the most effective strategy for starvation mitigation.