Modeling of solute transport with bioremediation processes using sawdust as a matrix

A conceptual model of solute transport with bioremediation processes using sawdust as a matrix to improve the efficiency of bioremediation in porous media is presented. The transport part of the model solves the advection dispersion differential equations and the reaction part describes the heterotrophic metabolisms of several groups of bacteria. The bacterial growth is formulated using the double Monod kinetic equation. The model depicts the utilization of oxygen, nitrate, manganese, iron oxides and sulfate as electron acceptors for oxidation of organic carbon in porous media. Exchange between the different phases (mobile pore water phase, bio phase and matrix phase) is also considered in this model. Model parameters were adopted from literature on bioremediation processes. Feasibility and applicability of parameters were assessed by conducting a laboratory soil-sawdust columns experiments and comparing the simulated results with the experimental data. The results indicate that sawdust could be employed as low-cost materials to enhance the bioremediation processes in porous media. While the availability of organic carbon is one of the most important factors that affect bacterial activity in porous media, this study demonstrates that using sawdust as a carbon source can improve the bacterial activity and increase the column permeability.