Determination of the amount of oxygen required for each function in the bacterial cell during phenol biodegradation in wastewater: a unique concept

Abstract

The goal of this study is to provide more in-depth study into the biodegradation of phenol and to determine the amount of oxygen required for each function in the bacterial cell which is fundamental in understanding of cell metabolism and biology. The total amount of oxygen consumed by bacteria is determined using manometric technique. In the biodegradation of phenol (less than 150 mg/L) the oxygen consumed up to the plateau (the stage associated with the termination of carbon) is found to be composed of three portions, one is used to directly oxidize portion of the substrate to produce energy to allow normal cell functions to sustain life which is estimated to be 50% of the plateau BOD (biochemical oxygen demand), the second portion is to oxidize energy storage intermediate (most probably carbon mono oxide, CO, is oxidized to CO₂) to release energy which is then used to power reproduction which is estimated to be 41.75% of the plateau BOD, third portion is incorporated into the produced new cells which is estimated to be 8.25% of the plateau BOD. The correlation coefficient between the initial phenol concentration and the ultimate BOD values is found to be r = 0.9999. This value of correlation coefficient, r, may indicate that microbes are, in a way, estimating the amount of food available and they grow and reproduce accordingly. This article provides a better understanding of cell metabolism and biology. This understanding of cell metabolism may offer better understanding of human cells. The results of this research paves the way for a similar research on human cells where abnormal oxygen uptake may assist in early prediction of cells dysfunction and diseases and may help in early taking the necessary precautions to avoid illness.