As can be seen in Fig. 1C, VSS/TSS ratios in both bioreactors
showed very variable results, probably due to changes in the
effluent composition at each feed to the reactor, which consisted of
industrial effluent with high variability [7]. However, an increase in
the average VSS/TSS ratio from 0.72 (1st period) to 0.83 (last
period) is observed in both bioreactors over time. This increase can
be attributed to the effluent composition, which has emulsified oils
and greases that adsorb microbial flocks and are quantified as VSS.
In all periods assessed, the VSS/TSS ratios were statistically equal in
both bioreactors. It could be therefore inferred that the addition of
biosurfactant does not interfere with this relationship.