For every 10 degrees C increase, how does the metabolic activity of bacteria in the activated sludge process change?

The metabolic activity of bacteria typically increases with temperature, following the general principle of the Arrhenius equation, which describes how the rate of chemical reactions (including biological processes) tends to double with every increase of approximately 10 degrees Celsius. This principle applies to many biological systems, including bacterial activity in the activated sludge process.

As the temperature rises, enzymatic reactions increase in speed, leading to enhanced metabolic activities such as growth and reproduction. Consequently, at a higher temperature, bacteria can process organic matter more efficiently, leading to increased rates of degradation and nutrient removal in wastewater treatment. Therefore, the understanding that metabolic activity doubles with every 10 degrees Celsius increase is an essential concept for those managing and operating wastewater treatment facilities.