A new modeling concept to evaluate the effects of cadmium and copper on heterotrophic growth rate constant (mu H) and lysis rate constant (b(H)) in activated sludge was introduced. The oxygen uptake rate (OUR) was employed to measure the constants. The results indicated that the mu(H) value decreased from 4.52 to 3.26d(-1) or by 28% when 0.7 mg L-1 of cadmium was added. Contrarily the b(H) value increased from 0.31 to 0.35 d(-1) or by 11%. When adding 0.7 mg L-1 of copper, the mu(H) value decreased to 2.80d(-1) or by 38%. The b(H) value increased to 0.42 d(-1) or by 35%. After regression, the inhibitory effect was in a good agreement with non-competitive inhibition kinetic. The inhibition coefficient values for cadmium and copper were 1.82 and 1.21 mg L-1, respectively. The relation between the b(H) values and heavy metal concentrations agreed with exponential type well. The heavy metal would enhance b(H) value. Using these data, a new kinetic model was established and used to simulate the degree of inhibition. It was evident that not only the inhibitory effect on mu(H) but also that the enhancement effect on b(H) should be considered when heavy metal presented. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.