Theoretical one-dimensional porous media model for microbial growth on pore plugging and permeability evolution and its verification

ABSTRACT

The growth, reproduction, and metabolic activities of microorganisms can lead to blockages within porous media, a phenomenon commonly observed in landfill engineering. Termed as microbial plugging, this phenomenon is significantly influenced by the inherent permeability characteristics of the system. In this study, we propose a simulation model based on the Monod equation to elucidate the clogging process caused by microorganisms in one-dimensional pore channels. Our primary focus is on the application of this model in landfill bioreactor systems. We demonstrate that microbial clogging in these systems is predominantly affected by factors such as the maximum environmental carrying capacity and pore size. These factors are directly influenced by the presence of solid waste within the landfill. By offering a theoretical foundation for mitigating microbial clogging in pore channels of landfill bioreactor systems, this research has the potential to contribute to the development of more efficient and effective waste management practices.

Implications: Microbial plugging is a hot research topic in the field of environmental geotechnical engineering. Previous papers often only considered the reduction of pore volumes, while neglecting the role of clogging and the uneven distribution of permeability. In this paper, we established a permeability model for porous media that considers microbial growth and plugging. This model can reflect the temporal variation of permeability with microbial growth and predict the spatial distribution of permeability. This paper can promote on the utilization of microbial plugging technology in landfills or solid waste.

Author contributions

Conceptualization, methodology, formal analysis, software, writing – original draft preparation, A.T., X.L.; validation, X.L., Y.C, Y.Z.; writing – review and editing, Q.T. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [52078317], Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province for Excellent Young Scholars [BK20211597], project from the Bureau of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of Suzhou [2021-25; 2021ZD02; 2021ZD30], Bureau of Geology and Mineral Exploration of Jiangsu [2021KY06], China Tiesiju Civil Engineering Group [2021-19], CCCC First Highway Engineering Group Company Limited [KJYF-2021-B-19] and CCCC Tunnel Engineering Company Limited [8gs-2021-04].

Notes on contributors

Xinyu Luo

Xinyu Luo is a master candidate at the School of Rail Transportation, Soochow University.

Angran Tian

Angran Tian is a doctoral student in the Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong.

Yuru Chen

Yuru Chen is a master candidate at the School of Rail Transportation, Soochow University.

Yu Zhou

Yu Zhou is a master candidate at the School of Rail Transportation, Soochow University.

Qiang Tang

Qiang Tang is a professor at the School of Rail Transportation, Soochow University.