Mathematical Modelling of the Effect of Functional Parameters of Temperature on Biodegradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons

Abstract

Mathematical model was developed to examine the effect of functional parameters of temperature on biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons. The developed model was related to Monod’s equation and the microbial growth rate was monitored, predicted and simulated with variation on the functional parameters. The result obtained revealed increase in the microbial growth rate with increase in the functional parameter values. The maximum specific microbial growth rate was constant as well as the equilibrium of forward and backward reaction including the dissociation constant ,  and ) on this conditions the microbial growth rate was observed with increased per unit time as the functional parameters increases (dx/dt). The result obtained from simulation of the developed of the model revealed that functional parameter of the temperature acts as an activator in the petroleum hydrocarbon degradation. The research predicts the effect of temperature on the functional parameters of substrate degradation and the coefficient of the kinetics. Increase in the functional parameters yield increase in the time of degradation of the substrate in bioremediation programme. The research revealed that increase in functional parameters increased the degradation period provided the active sites of the organisms are not inhibited. Indeed, the research showcases the application of Monod’s model as a useful tool in estimating the functional parameters and coefficient of dissociation constant and specific growth rate of the organisms capable of degradating the substrate