Simulation of the Bioremediation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Stirred Reactors

Abstract

The mathematical solution to a one-dimensional advective-dispersive solute transport model with linear equilibrium sorption and first-order degradation was carried out in this study. Simulation was carried out using MathCad software. The model solution predicted time approximated concentration distribution at varying depths of the selected PAHs (naphthalene, anthracene and pyrene) used in this study at distances. Simulation results showed that the concentrations of naphthalene, anthracene and pyrene within a contact period of 40, 55, and 50 days respectively, decreased in the direction of flow from 200 mg/l at the surface to zero at 9cm subsurface depth within the porous media. The residual concentrations of naphthalene, anthracene and pyrene were found to be 14% (35^th day), 44% (50^th day) and 29% (45^th day) respectively. The simulation results closely fit the data from experiments an indication that the technique significantly provides solution to non-steady state model concerned with contaminant solute transport and degradation.