Biomass growth efficiency

It is interesting to discuss in slightly more detail the case of solar versus biomass. The issue here is the amount of energy to be produced per unit time and unit surface area for the two cases. The important conclusion is drawn when one considers the efficiency of surface area use photovoltaics. The rate of biomass growth is too slow. Figure 1.8 illustrates these differences. 

Bacterial growth efficiency (BGE), i.e., the efficiency at which bacterioplankton convert OC into bacterial biomass was calculated from the rate of decline in substrate (OC) and the rate of increase in bacterial biomass (BB) estimated from bacterial production as follow ... 

The estimation of bacterial growth efficiency from the variation of bacterial biomass and organic carbon consumption could be underestimated due to continual recycling of organic matter by successive bacterial lysis and consumption of this lysed organic matter in our bioassays. In both Fe conditions, the increase of bacterial abundance is controlled by mortality processes. No protozoa were observed by microscopy. Mortality by protozoan grazing can thus be excluded. 

The transpiration of water to the atmosphere through biomass stomata is proportional to the vapor pressure difference between the atmosphere and the saturated vapor pressure inside the leaves. Transpiration is obviously affected by atmospheric temperature and humidity. The internal water is essential for biomass growth. The efficiency of utilizing this water (water-use efficiency, WUE) has been defined as the ratio of biomass accumulation to the water consumed, expressed as transpiration or total water input to the system. Analysis of the transpiration phenomenon and the possibilities for manipulation... 

One new approach to estimating biocide efficiency is to combine qualitative evaluation with the use of kinetic parameters chosen to characterize the properties of microorganisms and materials. A quantitative estimate of effectiveness is based on studies of biomass growth deceleration, with the help of rate constants for biomass growth. 

If one or more of the inputs is present in less than optimum amount, then the respiratory rate and efficiency, and hence the formation of structural biomass (growth rate), will be reduced to the rate determined by the rate of acquisition of... 

Solid Wastes and Biomass Large and increasing quantities of solid wastes are a significant feature of affluent societies. In the United States in 1993 the rate was about 1.8 kg (4 lb) per capita per day or nearly 190 Tg (2.07 X 10 U.S. tons) per year, but the growth rate has slowed in recent years as recycling efforts have increased. Table 27-4 shows that the composition of miscellaneous refuse is surprisingly uniform, but size and moisture variations cause major difficulties in efficient, economical disposal. 

False. Batch cultures can convert high proportions of substrates, as growth can be allowed to proceed until substrates are exhausted. In continuous cultures substrates are never fully converted, as medium is continuously removed. In fact, residual substrate concentration increases as the dilution rate increases, until virtually all of the medium remains unused. Continuous cultures usually recycle the medium after biomass removal to increase the efficiency of substrate conversion. 

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