Mathematical Model of the Oxidation of Ferrous Iron by a Biofilm of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans

Microbial oxidation of ferrous iron may be a viable alternative method of producing ferric sulfate, which is a reagent used for removal of H2S from biogas. The paper introduces a kinetic study of the biological oxidation of ferrous iron by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans immobilized on biomass support particles (BSP) composed of polyurethane foam. On the basis of the data obtained, a mathematical model for the bioreactor was subsequently developed. In the model described here, the microorganisms adhere by reversible physical adsorption to the ferric precipitates that are formed on the BSP. The model can also be considered as an expression for the erosion of microorganisms immobilized due to the agitation of the medium by aeration.