Mathematical simulation of a biofilm process

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.