Modeling mass transport and microbial activity in stratified biofilms

Heterogeneous diffusion in aerobic granular sludge

Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) technology allows simultaneous nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon removal in compact wastewater treatment processes. To operate, design, and model AGS reactors, it is essential to properly understand the diffusive transport within the granules. In this study, diffusive mass transfer within full‐scale and lab‐scale AGS was characterized with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods. Self‐diffusion coefficients of water inside the granules were determined with pulsed‐field gradient NMR, while the granule structure was visualized with NMR imaging. A reaction‐diffusion granule‐scale model was set up to evaluate the impact of heterogeneous diffusion on granule performance. The self‐diffusion coefficient of water in AGS was ∼70% of the self‐diffusion coefficient of free water. There was no significant difference between self‐diffusion in AGS from full‐scale treatment plants and from lab‐scale reactors. The results of the model showed that diffusional heterogeneity did not lead to a major change of flux into the granule (<1%). This study shows that differences between granular sludges and heterogeneity within granules have little impact on the kinetic properties of AGS. Thus, a relatively simple approach is sufficient to describe mass transport by diffusion into the granules.

Towards an integrated understanding of how micro scale processes shape groundwater ecosystem functions

Micro scale processes are expected to have a fundamental role in shaping groundwater ecosystems and yet they remain poorly understood and under-researched. In part, this is due to the fact that sampling is rarely carried out at the scale at which microorganisms, and their grazers and predators, function and thus we lack essential information. While set within a larger scale framework in terms of geochemical features, supply with energy and nutrients, and exchange intensity and dynamics, the micro scale adds variability, by providing heterogeneous zones at the micro scale which enable a wider range of redox reactions. Here we outline how understanding micro scale processes better may lead to improved appreciation of the range of ecosystems functions taking place at all scales. Such processes are relied upon in bioremediation and we demonstrate that ecosystem modelling as well as engineering measures have to take into account, and use, understanding at the micro scale. We discuss the importance of integrating faunal processes and computational appraisals in research, in order to continue to secure sustainable water resources from groundwater.

Continuum and discrete approach in modeling biofilm development and structure: a review

The scientific community has recognized that almost 99% of the microbial life on earth is represented by biofilms. Considering the impacts of their sessile lifestyle on both natural and human activities, extensive experimental activity has been carried out to understand how biofilms grow and interact with the environment. Many mathematical models have also been developed to simulate and elucidate the main processes characterizing the biofilm growth. Two main mathematical approaches for biomass representation can be distinguished: continuum and discrete. This review is aimed at exploring the main characteristics of each approach. Continuum models can simulate the biofilm processes in a quantitative and deterministic way. However, they require a multidimensional formulation to take into account the biofilm spatial heterogeneity, which makes the models quite complicated, requiring significant computational effort. Discrete models are more recent and can represent the typical multidimensional structural heterogeneity of biofilm reflecting the experimental expectations, but they generate computational results including elements of randomness and introduce stochastic effects into the solutions.

Dynamic characterization of external and internal mass transport in heterotrophic biofilms from microsensors measurements

Knowledge of mass transport mechanisms in biofilm-based technologies such as biofilters is essential to improve bioreactors performance by preventing mass transport limitation. External and internal mass transport in biofilms was characterized in heterotrophic biofilms grown on a flat plate bioreactor. Mass transport resistance through the liquid-biofilm interphase and diffusion within biofilms were quantified by in situ measurements using microsensors with a high spatial resolution (<50 μm). Experimental conditions were selected using a mathematical procedure based on the Fisher Information Matrix to increase the reliability of experimental data and minimize confidence intervals of estimated mass transport coefficients. The sensitivity of external and internal mass transport resistances to flow conditions within the range of typical fluid velocities over biofilms (Reynolds numbers between 0.5 and 7) was assessed. Estimated external mass transfer coefficients at different liquid phase flow velocities showed discrepancies with studies considering laminar conditions in the diffusive boundary layer near the liquid-biofilm interphase. The correlation of effective diffusivity with flow velocities showed that the heterogeneous structure of biofilms defines the transport mechanisms inside biofilms. Internal mass transport was driven by diffusion through cell clusters and aggregates at Re below 2.8. Conversely, mass transport was driven by advection within pores, voids and water channels at Re above 5.6. Between both flow velocities, mass transport occurred by a combination of advection and diffusion. Effective diffusivities estimated at different biofilm densities showed a linear increase of mass transport resistance due to a porosity decrease up to biofilm densities of 50 g VSS·L(-1). Mass transport was strongly limited at higher biofilm densities. Internal mass transport results were used to propose an empirical correlation to assess the effective diffusivity within biofilms considering the influence of hydrodynamics and biofilm density.

Multi-layer composite mechanical modeling for the inhomogeneous biofilm mechanical behavior

Experiments showed that bacterial biofilms are heterogeneous, for example, the density, the diffusion coefficient, and mechanical properties of the biofilm are different along the biofilm thickness. In this paper, we establish a multi-layer composite model to describe the biofilm mechanical inhomogeneity based on unified multiple-component cellular automaton (UMCCA) model. By using our model, we develop finite element simulation procedure for biofilm tension experiment. The failure limit and biofilm extension displacement obtained from our model agree well with experimental measurements. This method provides an alternative theory to study the mechanical inhomogeneity in biological materials.

Alkalinity and pH effects on nitrification in a membrane aerated bioreactor: an experimental and model analysis

A nitrifying biofilm was grown in a laboratory-scale membrane aerated bioreactor (MABR) to calibrate and test a one-dimensional biofilm model incorporating chemical equilibria to calculate local pH values. A previously developed model (Shanahan and Semmens, 2004) based upon AQUASIM was modified to incorporate the impact of local pH changes within the biofilm on the kinetics of nitrification. Shielded microelectrodes were used to measure the concentration profiles of dissolved oxygen, ammonium, nitrate, and pH within the biofilm and the overlying boundary layer under actual operating conditions. Operating conditions were varied to assess the impact of bicarbonate loading (alkalinity), ammonium loading, and intra-membrane oxygen partial pressure on biofilm performance. Nitrification performance improved with increased ammonium and bicarbonate loadings over the range of operating conditions tested, but declined when the intra-membrane oxygen partial pressure was increased. Minor discrepancies between the measured and predicted concentration profiles within the biofilm were attributed to changes in biofilm density and vertical heterogeneities in biofilm structure not accounted for by the model. Nevertheless, predicted concentration profiles within the biofilm agreed well with experimental results over the range of conditions studied and highlight the fact that pH changes in the biofilm are significant especially in low alkalinity waters. The influent pH and buffer capacity of a wastewater may therefore have a significant impact on the performance of a membrane-aerated bioreactor with respect to nitrification, and nitrogen removal.

Performance study and kinetic modeling of hybrid bioreactor for treatment of bi-substrate mixture of phenol-m-cresol in wastewater: process optimization with response surface methodology

Performance of a hybrid reactor comprising of trickling filter (TF) and aeration tank (AT) unit was studied for biological treatment of wastewater containing mixture of phenol and m-cresol, using mixed microbial culture. The reactor was operated with hydraulic loading rates (HLR) and phenolics loading rates (PLR) between 0.222-1.078 m3/(m2 x day) and 0.900-3.456 kg/(m3 x day), respectively. The efficiency of substrate removal varied between 71%-100% for the range of HLR and PLR studied. The fixed film unit showed better substrate removal efficiency than the aeration tank and was more resistant to substrate inhibition. The kinetic parameters related to both units of the reactor were evaluated and their variation with HLR and PLR were monitored. It revealed the presence of substrate inhibition at high PLR both in TF and AT unit. The biofilm model established the substrate concentration profile within the film by solving differential equation of substrate mass transfer using boundary problem solver tool 'bvp4c' of MATLAB 7.1 software. Response surface methodology was used to design and optimize the biodegradation process using Design Expert 8 software, where phenol and m-cresol concentrations, residence time were chosen as input variables and percentage of removal was the response. The design of experiment showed that a quadratic model could be fitted best for the present experimental study. Significant interaction of the residence time with the substrate concentrations was observed. The optimized condition for operating the reactor as predicted by the model was 230 mg/L of phenol, 190 mg/L of m-cresol with residence time of 24.82 hr to achieve 99.92% substrate removal.

Autotrophic nitrogen-removing biofilms on porous and non-porous membranes

The effective removal of nitrogen compounds from wastewater has become a critical issue for treatment plants as the awareness of their negative impact on the environment increased. Autotrophic nitrogen removal has become an interesting alternative to the more conventional heterotrophic processes, as it eliminates the need for an organic carbon addition to the source water and reduces biomass yields. Gas transfer membrane biofilm reactors (MBfR) for nitrification and hydrogen driven denitrification are of special interest as they combine membrane diffusers and biofilms, provide an efficient supply of necessary electron donor for autotrophic removal of ammonia and nitrate, extend solids retention times and retain biomass within the reactor. Subsequently, a wide range of MBfR, which vary based on the type of membrane material and membrane module configuration, are being tested for this purpose. This paper reviews the research to date and also discusses the challenges that still lay ahead before MBfR can be used at treatment plants.

Impact of shear force on the biofilm structure and performance of a membrane biofilm reactor for tertiary hydrogen-driven denitrification of municipal wastewater

Hydrogen-driven denitrification using a hollow-fiber membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR) was evaluated for operation in tertiary wastewater treatment. Specific objectives were to evaluate the impact of different levels of shearing stress caused by mixing and nitrogen sparging on the biofilm structure and denitrification rates. Applying high shear force proved to be effective in improving denitrification rates by reducing the thickness of the biofilm. With intensive mixing a biofilm thickness of approximately 800 microm was maintained, while additional nitrogen sparging could further reduce the biofilm thickness to approximately 300 microm. The highest denitrification rates of 0.93 gN/m(2)d were obtained when biofilm thickness was lower than 500 microm. Lower extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) accumulation and carbohydrates to protein ratio observed in thinner biofilms allowed for higher nitrate removal in the system. No significant sloughing of biomass or change in total and soluble COD in the final effluent was observed under steady-state conditions.

Correlated biofilm imaging, transport and metabolism measurements via combined nuclear magnetic resonance and confocal microscopy

Bacterial biofilms are complex, three-dimensional communities found nearly everywhere in nature and are also associated with many human diseases. Detailed metabolic information is critical to understand and exploit beneficial biofilms as well as combat antibiotic-resistant, disease-associated forms. However, most current techniques used to measure temporal and spatial metabolite profiles in these delicate structures are invasive or destructive. Here, we describe imaging, transport and metabolite measurement methods and their correlation for live, non-invasive monitoring of biofilm processes. This novel combination of measurements is enabled by the use of an integrated nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). NMR methods provide macroscopic structure, metabolic pathway and rate data, spatially resolved metabolite concentrations and water diffusion profiles within the biofilm. In particular, current depth-resolved spectroscopy methods are applied to detect metabolites in 140-190 nl volumes within biofilms of the dissimilatory metal-reducing bacterium Shewanella oneidensis strain MR-1 and the oral bacterium implicated in caries disease, Streptococcus mutans strain UA159. The perfused sample chamber also contains a transparent optical window allowing for the collection of complementary fluorescence information using a unique, in-magnet CLSM. In this example, the entire three-dimensional biofilm structure was imaged using magnetic resonance imaging. This was then correlated to a fluorescent CLSM image by employing a green fluorescent protein reporter construct of S. oneidensis. Non-invasive techniques such as described here, which enable measurements of dynamic metabolic processes, especially in a depth-resolved fashion, are expected to advance our understanding of processes occurring within biofilm communities.

Single-species microbial biofilm screening for industrial applications

While natural microbial biofilms often consist of multiple species, single-species biofilms are of great interest to biotechnology. The current study evaluates biofilm formation for common industrial and laboratory microorganisms. A total of 68 species of biosafety level one bacteria and yeasts from over 40 different genera and five phyla were screened by growing them in microtiter plates and estimating attached biomass by crystal violet staining. Most organisms showed biofilm formation on surfaces of polystyrene within 24 h. By changing a few simple conditions such as substratum characteristics, inoculum and nutrient availability, 66 strains (97%) demonstrated biofilm formation under at least one of the experimental conditions and over half of these strains were classified as strong biofilm formers, potentially suitable as catalysts in biofilm applications. Many non-motile bacteria were also strong biofilm formers. Biofilm morphologies were visualized for selected strains. A model organism, Zymomonas mobilis, easily established itself as a biofilm on various reactor packing materials, including stainless steel.