Preliminary Studies on the Performance and Behaviour of the MELISSA Photoheterotrophic Compartment

Successful implementation of the MELISSA loop requires the optimum performance of each of its compartments. Preliminary studies on the behaviour of the photoheterotrophic compartment have been performed.

The previously suggested strains have been tested for growth on the carbon and nitrogen sources expected to be components of the influent. The results indicate that of the organisms tested Rs.rubrum should become the organism of choice for the photoheterotrophic compartment while R.capsulatus is more appropriate for the photoautotrophic anaerobic compartment.

Biomass analyses, determination of yields and growth rates have also been performed in the preliminary batch and continuous cultures.