Macroscopic models for predicting changes in saturated porous media properties caused by microbial growth

Journal Article · Sun Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Ground Water

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6584.1996.tb02088.x· OSTI ID:395098

Clement, T P; Hooker, B S; Skeen, R S ^[1]

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1. Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (United States)

Analytical equations are developed to model changes in porosity, specific surface area, and permeability caused by biomass accumulation in porous media. The proposed equations do not assume any specific pattern for microbial growth but instead are based on macroscopic estimates of average biomass concentrations. For porous media with a pore-size distribution index value ({lambda}) equal to 3, the macroscopic model predictions of porosity, specific surface area, and permeability changes are in exact agreement with biofilm-model predictions. At other values of {lambda} between 2 and 5, simulated porosity profiles are identical and relative specific surface area and permeability profiles show minor deviations. In comparison to biofilm-based models, the macroscopic models are relatively simple to implement and are computationally more efficient. Simulations of biologically reactive flow in a one-dimensional column show that the macroscopic and biofilm approach based transport codes predict almost identical porosity and permeability profiles. The macroscopic models are simple and useful tools for estimating changes in various porous media properties during bioremediation of contaminated aquifers.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 395098
• Journal Information: Ground Water, Journal Name: Ground Water Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 34; ISSN GRWAAP; ISSN 0017-467X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AQUIFERS
BIODEGRADATION
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FORECASTING
GROWTH
IN-SITU PROCESSING
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MICROORGANISMS
PERMEABILITY
POLLUTANTS
POROUS MATERIALS
REMEDIAL ACTION
WATER POLLUTION