EFFECT OF MICROBIAL ADSORPTION AT THE GAS/LIQUID INTERFACE ON OXYGEN ENHANCEMENT FACTORS

Abstract
The adsorption of micro-organisms at the gas/liquid interface causes both an increase in the oxygen respiration rate and a decrease in the oxygen diffusion coefficient near the interface. An increase in the oxygen consumption rate increases the oxygen mass transfer rate into the bacterial broth but a decreased oxygen diffusion coefficient reduces the mass transfer rate. These two factors must be taken into account when enhancement factors are calculated.