Transport of Bacteria in Porous Media. Part II: A Model for Convective Transport and Growth

TitleTransport of Bacteria in Porous Media. Part II: A Model for Convective Transport and Growth
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1994
AuthorsSarkar, A.K., G. Georgiou, and M. M. Sharma
JournalBiotechnology & Bioengineering Journal
Volume44
Issue04
Start Page499
Pagination499-508
Date Published08/1994
Other Numbersbit.260440413
KeywordsBacterial Adhesion / Plugging, Basic Surface and Colloid Science, Colloid Transport, Formation Damage
Abstract

A model is presented for the coupled processes of bacterial growth and convective transport of bacteria has been modeled using a fractional flow approach. The various mechanisms of bacteria retention can be incorporated into the model through selection of an appropriate shape of the fractional flow curve. Permeability reduction due to pore plugging by bacteria was simulated using the effective medium theory. In porous media, the rates of transport and growth of bacteria, the generation of metabolic products, and the consumption of nutrients are strongly coupled processes. Consequently, the set of governing conservation equations form a set of coupled, nonlinear partial differential equations that were solved numerically. Reasonably good agreement between the model and experimental data has been obtained indicating that the physical processes incorporated in the model are adequate. The model has been used to predict the in situ transport and growth of bacteria, nutrient consumption, and metabolite production. It can be particularly useful in simulating laboratory experiments and in scaling microbial-enhanced oil recovery or bioremediation processes to the field

DOI10.1002/bit.260440413