Available Electron and Energetic Yields in Fermentation Processesa

Abstract

Microbial growth and product yields have been investigated for several cultures. Available electron and free energy balances may be used to examine the efficiency of microbial energetics. Energetic yields based on free energy analysis were obtained and compared with yields from available electron analysis. Estimates of true growth yields under anaerobic conditions have been obtained using statistical methods and the results were compared with theoretical maximum yields.