Biofilm modeling with AQUASIM

Area of Science:

• Environmental microbiology
• Biochemical engineering
• Computational modeling

Background:

• Biofilm processes are crucial in aquatic systems and industrial reactors.
• Accurate simulation of biofilm dynamics is essential for process optimization.
• Existing models may lack the comprehensive features needed for complex biofilm simulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce AQUASIM, a versatile computer program for aquatic system simulation.
• To present a one-dimensional multisubstrate and multispecies biofilm model within AQUASIM.
• To demonstrate AQUASIM's capability for simulating substrate removal and microbial dynamics in biofilm reactors.

Main Methods:

• Development of a one-dimensional multisubstrate and multispecies biofilm model.
• Incorporation of substrate and microbial species spatial profiles prediction.
• Inclusion of biofilm thickness, cell attachment/detachment, and sloughing event simulations.
• Pseudo two-dimensional modeling of plug flow biofilm reactors using compartments.

Main Results:

• AQUASIM successfully simulates substrate removal in biofilm reactors.
• The program predicts one-dimensional spatial profiles of substrates and microbial species.
• Development of biofilm thickness and microbial populations over time is calculated.
• Simulations can incorporate cell detachment, attachment, and sloughing events.

Conclusions:

• AQUASIM is a suitable tool for biofilm simulation and analysis.
• The model provides valuable insights into substrate removal and microbial dynamics.
• The program facilitates the design and optimization of biofilm reactors.
• A key limitation is the consideration of spatial gradients only in one dimension.