The biomass yielding process of xenobiotic degradation

Yields of activated sludge and an Arthrobacter sp. biomass on organic xenobiotic 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and on the intermediates of selected 2,4-D metabolism pathways were measured. Activated sludge yield on 2,4-D was lower by approximately 24–45% compared to the combined yields produced separately by the lower intermediates. For activated sludge, cell synthesis only consumed 33% of the electrons generated from 2,4-D oxidation, while the other 67% were used for energy. The high energy consumption, which was the primary cause of low activated sludge yield from 2,4-D degradation, occurred mainly in the catabolism of 2,4-D. The degrader sludge supplied this catabolism energy demand with the ATP contained in the biomass. As a result, the sludge’s ATP contents suffered a deficit that was not fully remunerated after 2,4-D was degraded. Metabolism of the lower intermediates provided materials for further biomass growth and refilled part of the energy initially consumed.