Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain which is able to convert $H{g}^{+2}$ into elemental $H{g}^0,$ is

isolated from sediment in a river. The bacteria are to be utilized for onsite

bioremediation of soil contaminated with methyl mercury, which is nontoxic to humans.

Kinetic parameters for the organism are found using data obtained from chemostat

culture. A $1-$L fermenter is used with a feed stream including $100M$ of methyl mercury.

Steady state substrate concentrations are measured as a function of chemostat flow rate.

a$.$ Calculate ${}_{\text{m}\text{a}\text{x}}$ and $Ks$ of the organism.

b$.$ Calculate the maximum practical operating flow rate.

Not: The plot should be obtained both by hand and Excel. All results should be

attached to homework. All the calculated data should be shown on a table.