What happens to biological activity at high temperatures?

At high temperatures, biological activity often begins to inhibit, particularly for microorganisms involved in the wastewater treatment process. Elevated temperatures can lead to a decline in the efficiency of microbial metabolism and growth due to stress on the organisms. Many microorganisms have optimal temperature ranges where they function best; exceeding these limits can result in enzyme denaturation and cell damage, leading to reduced biological activity.

While some microorganisms may thrive at higher temperatures, this is usually not the case for the vast majority of those used in wastewater treatment, which are adapted to mesophilic temperatures. In this context, the increase in temperature can shock the microbial community, disrupt the balance, and potentially halt the essential biological processes required for effective treatment. Overall, excessive heat can challenge the health of the microbial population and impede the treatment process.