Figure 2.

The four inoculum parameters (controllable or not) that govern the issue of a biodegradability test. The S₀/X_D0 is the concentration of test substance versus the concentration of specific degraders at “time zero” in a test which plays a major role in the kinetics of biodegradation. According to Chudoba et al. (1992) if the ratio is over 4 mg DOC/mg SS, the carbon source offers enough energy for the cell division. Conversely, if the ratio is under this average value, no cell division will occur due to lack of energy provided by the carbon source in the test. SMP, soluble microbial polymer; DOC, dissolved organic carbon; SS, suspended solid.