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A transient mathematical model for maximum respiration activity and oxygen diffusion coefficient estimation in non‐steady‐state biofilms
Author(s) -
Khlebnikov Artem,
Samb Falilou,
Péringer Paul
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
journal of chemical technology and biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1097-4660
pISSN - 0268-2575
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-4660(1998110)73:3<274::aid-jctb945>3.0.co;2-2
Subject(s) - biofilm , respirometry , oxygen , thermal diffusivity , diffusion , limiting oxygen concentration , chemistry , steady state (chemistry) , respiration , environmental chemistry , thermodynamics , analytical chemistry (journal) , botany , biochemistry , organic chemistry , biology , physics , bacteria , genetics
A transient mathematical model was established in order to evaluate oxygen diffusivity in non‐steady‐state biofilms. A submerged fixed bed biofilm system with efficient medium recirculation was investigated for p ‐toluenesulphonic acid degradation by Comamonas testosteroni T‐2 in a multi‐species biofilm. Static mixer elements (Sulzer Chemtech Ltd, Switzerland) were used as a support matrix for biofilm formation. Biofilm respiration was estimated using the dynamic gassing‐out oxygen uptake method. Based on the dissolved oxygen concentration profiles, the oxygen diffusion coefficient and the maximum respiration activity were calculated. The values of the dissolved oxygen diffusion coefficient varied with biolfilm development and values reported here (2×10 −10 –1.2×10 −9 m 2 s −1 ) are in good agreement with literature data. Calculated oxygen consumption rates fit well with values obtained in respirometry tests with washed out biofilms. The knowledge of diffusivity changes in biofilms is particularly important for removal capacity estimation and appropriate reactor design. © 1998 Society of Chemical Industry