Microbial by-products such as SMP (soluble microbial products) was released during biological process. Is it possible that microbial by-products is released even if the bioreactor (nitrification) does not provide carbon source for microbial growth?
Hi Ms/Mrs Hidayah,
At the first step of nitrification two H ion and one H2O are released for 1.5 O2 to the media. Moreover, If biomass in the reactor is a mixture of heterotrophic and autotrophic bacteria, it is most probable results that certain metabolites will be released to the media. Because of decomposition of dead cells, inert metabolites will possibly be relesed to the media I think. Furthermore, some nitrificans are mixotrophic and some of them can decompose these dead cells and metabolites may be released I think.
Olcayto
Yes, microbes can release SMPs in cases of low substrate conditions. In fact, for a number of organisms, SMP, or exocellular biopolymers in general, are produced more during low nutrient/substrate conditions. They do this to adjust to adverse conditions and exocellular biopolymers can help with aggregation and other functions that enhance their ability to survive these conditions.
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