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Biofilm model calibration and microbial diversity study using Monte Carlo simulations
D Brockmann1, A Caylet, R Escudié
1INRA, UR0050, Laboratoire de Biotechnologie de l'Environnement, Avenue des Etangs, Narbonne F-11100, France. doris.brockmann@supagro.inra.fr
Biotechnology and Bioengineering
|January 3, 2013
Summary
Mathematical models reveal microbial competition in biofilms. Simulations show a single dominant species, determined by substrate affinity, regardless of hydraulic retention time (HRT).
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Bioprocess engineering
- Mathematical modeling
Background:
- Mathematical models are crucial for understanding biological conversions and microbial competition in treatment processes.
- Biofilm reactors are key components in many biological treatment systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model microbial diversity and competition within biofilm reactors.
- To investigate the influence of hydraulic retention time (HRT) on microbial community structure in both suspended and attached biomass.
Main Methods:
- A single-species biofilm model was developed and calibrated using Monte Carlo filtering.
- The model was extended to a multi-species model incorporating 10 heterotrophic bacteria.
- Simulations were performed at varying HRTs to analyze community dynamics.
Main Results:
- Monte Carlo simulations consistently identified a single dominant bacterial species in both suspended and attached biomass at steady state, irrespective of HRT.
- The dominant species was dictated by the highest specific substrate affinity (µ/KS).
- At short HRT (20 min), biofilm detachment primarily structured the bulk liquid community; at long HRT (8 h), both detachment and bulk growth influenced distribution.
Conclusions:
- Microbial competition in biofilm reactors leads to dominance by species with high substrate affinity.
- HRT significantly influences microbial community structure, with detachment and growth dynamics playing distinct roles at different retention times.
