Bulletin of Mathematical Biology

, Volume 55, Issue 6, pp 1039–1061 | Cite as

A new method to solve a non-steady-state multispecies biofilm model

  • Vincent Gadani
  • Pierre Villon
  • Jacques Manem
  • Bruce Rittmann
Article
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Revised:

Abstract

A transient multispecies model for quantifying microbial space competition in biofilm is derived from existing models, introducing a new approach to biomass detachment modelling. This model includes inert biomass, substrate diffusion and utilization rate within the biofilm and diffusional layers. It predicts the evolution of biofilm thickness, bulk substrate concentration, species distribution and substrate concentration within the biofilm. A zero-dimensional transient model is described. Its steady-state solution is used to set up initial conditions of the one-dimensional model and case computation towards steady-state solution. Some numerical tools have been developed, enabling fast computation on microcomputers. Simulations show the validity of a zero-dimensional model and perturbated systems are also simulated. Simulations with experimental data give acceptable results.

Keywords

Grid Point Substrate Concentration Relative Thickness Active Biomass Detachment Layer 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Society for Mathematical Biology 1993

Authors and Affiliations

  • Vincent Gadani
    • 1
  • Pierre Villon
    • 1
  • Jacques Manem
    • 2
  • Bruce Rittmann
    • 3
  1. 1.Division Mathématiques AppliquéesUniversité de Technologie de CompiègneCompiègneFrance
  2. 2.Lyonnaise des Eaux Laboratoire CentralLe PecqFrance
  3. 3.Northwestern University A228 Technological InstituteEvanstonU.S.A.

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