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Mathematical simulation of a biofilm process
Author(s) -
Benefield Larry,
Molz Fred
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
biotechnology and bioengineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.136
H-Index - 189
eISSN - 1097-0290
pISSN - 0006-3592
DOI - 10.1002/bit.260270702
Subject(s) - biofilm , diffusion , process (computing) , oxygen transport , oxygen , materials science , chemistry , flow (mathematics) , chemical engineering , biological system , mechanics , thermodynamics , computer science , bacteria , physics , biology , organic chemistry , genetics , engineering , operating system
A mathematical model has been developed for a fixed‐film biological process (film flow over a flat plate) that describes bulk liquid transport, diffusional transport of oxygen and organics across a stagnant film, diffusional transport of oxygen and organics into the biofilm, biochemical reactions by the individual cells within the biofilm, biofilm growth, and cell density changes within the biofilm due to cellular decay. Simulation studies are presented to show how contact time and diffusion layer thickness affect process performance.