Thus, there is a high possibility that MIBK is among that mixed waste at Hanford Site. Click here to see a map of Hanford. Biodegradation of solvents in mixed waste will cause biogeochemical changes that will influence the fate and transport of actinides in the subsurface. The growth of a mixed microbial culture on MIBK was measured. Data obtained provides information on rate of microbial degradation, the minimum and maximum concentration of chemical microorganisms need to begin degradation, and the time it takes for the microorganisms to begin degradation.
Microorganisms grow by binary fission.
They require several important components such as carbon and energy source, electron acceptor, nitrogen, phosphorus, and trace metals. Provided with these nutrients, they are capable of synthesizing larger polymers and other macromolecules necessary to perpetrate their growth. The lag phase occurs when a culture is inoculated into a fresh medium in which the cells take time to acclimate. They enter exponential phase when the cells divide at their maximal rate. Cells cannot grow at an exponential rate indefinitely.