Lattice Boltzmann simulation of biofilm clogging and chemical oxygen demand removal in porous media
Authored by Zhiwei Tian, Junye Wang
Date Published: 2019
DOI: 10.1002/aic.16661
Sponsors:
National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
Platforms:
No platforms listed
Model Documentation:
Other Narrative
Mathematical description
Model Code URLs:
Model code not found
Abstract
Understanding mechanisms of controlling the bacteria growth and
degradation of pollutants is critical for effective improvements in
water treatment and bioremediation in porous media. In this study, we
developed an integrated model of individual-based model and
multicomponent lattice Boltzmann method to study interactions of oxygen,
bioclogging, chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, and their influence
on growth and permeability of microbial biofilms. We found biofilm
growth to be very heterogeneous on the surface of the solid matrix and
pores. There is a biofilm porosity threshold. Beyond this threshold, the
porosity of biofilm has no obvious influence on the flow rate and COD
removal. We also studied the influence of initial cell populations, bulk
oxygen concentration and biofilm permeability on the flow rate and COD
removal. It demonstrated the capability of the present model to
investigate biofilm growth, clogging and contaminants degradation in
porous media, and its potential applications in water treatment.
Tags
Individual-based model
Model
growth
Density
Porosity
Permeability
Flow
Reactive transport
Scheme
Biofilm clogging
Cod removal
Lattice boltzmann
method