Biological treatment of wastewater is essential for maintaining our global supply of clean

water. Stoichiometry can be used to predict theoretical inputs and outputs of the

wastewater treatment process. This approach was first used to model the breakdown of a

wastewater stream containing casein $(C_8{H}_{12}{O}_3{N}_2)$ using a mixed microbial community

$(C_5{H}_7{O}_2(N)).$

a$.$ Balance the equation below summarizing this process

$C_8{H}_{12}{O}_3{N}_2+O_2,C_5{H}_7{O}_{2}N+,N{H}_4+HC{O}_3^{-}+C{O}_2$

b$.$ Explain why biomass is listed as a product of this reaction.

c$.$ Describe two ways that an uncontrolled reaction $($i$.$e$.,$ an uncontrolled buildup of

products$)$ could negatively impact water quality.