Modelling impact of biomass growth on flow regimes in porous media

Abstract

Numerical modelling of changes in the flow regimes in soil due to bioclogging of the pore space are considered. Biomass growth dynamics are described by the Monod equation and changes in hydraulic conductivity due to the accumulation of biomass within the pore space are represented by a theoretical model of pore space clogging. The model is validated by comparison with results from experiments performed using the bacterium Beijerinckia indica within sand columns with model parameters determined from independent experimental work. The model is then applied to investigate flow diversion within heterogeneous systems composed of a number of regions made up different sand fractions. Finally, the potential of using controlled biomass growth to engineer flow within heterogeneous porous media is considered.