Coupled Temperature and Transport Effects on Biofilm Growth Using the
Thermal Lattice Boltzmann Method
Abstract
In this study, we developed an integrated cellular automata and thermal
lattice Boltzmann model to investigate the effects of different
temperatures and velocities in a microbioreactor. Compared with previous
studies this model accounted for the direct effects of transient
temperature on biofilm growth and indirect effects caused by changes of
properties. In addition, the algorithms on variations in solid boundary
conditions, detachment and extra mass transport have been improved.
Results showed that temperature affected both the maximum biofilm
concentration and growth speed. Roughly a 10-75% increase in biofilm
concentration was observed, while in some cases the time needed to reach
maximum concentration decreased from 30 days to 5 days. Despite of
geometrical symmetry, changes in the upper inlet characteristics were
more effective on biofilm growth. This demonstrates the capability of
the present model to simulate biofilm behaviour in the microbioreactor
and its potential industrial and clinical applications.