Unified Theory and Model for Anaerobic Hydrolysis in Municipal Wastewater Treatment: Review of Enzymological Aspects and Hydrolysis Assessments
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 142, Issue 10
Abstract
Hydrolysis is arguably the least understood and least defined process in anaerobic biodegradation. In municipal wastewater treatment, it is associated with the degradation of organic particulates, soluble macromolecules, extracellular polymeric substances, and soluble microbial products. This paper reviews previous hydrolysis studies, emphasizing their interrelationships in an overall hydrolysis framework. Different methodologies adopted for hydrolysis assessments are also assessed, providing the basis for future hydrolysis studies. Finally, a unified theory and model, constructed by integrating the independent studies and reconciling their disparities, is proposed as an alternative to preexisting frameworks. As hydrolysis is an extracellular enzymatic process, this paper incorporates the enzymological aspects involved to elucidate its underlying principles.
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Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 142 • Issue 10 • October 2016
Copyright
© 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 16, 2015
Accepted: Dec 28, 2015
Published online: Mar 15, 2016
Discussion open until: Aug 15, 2016
Published in print: Oct 1, 2016
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