A GENERAL MATHEMATICAL-MODEL FOR MICROBIAL OXIDATION OF SULFIDE AND OPTIMIZATION OF SULFATE PRODUCTION

On the base of experimental data taken from literature we have constructed a mathematical model describing the generalized sulphide biooxidation resulting in the optimal sulphate production. The proposed model is able to take into account different time courses and experimental conditions affecting the sulphur cycle processes concerning the oxidation of sulphide to sulphur and of sulphur to sulphate. From comparison of various biosystems engaged in this oxidation and the model output it follows the high degree of agreement between them. In the same time the model defines the appropriate required oxygen concentration given by a value of 11 mg.l-1 as one of the most important governing factor for sulphate production optimalization. Our mathematical model is able to simulate both the transformation of a single substrate but in the same time has a general validity for the whole described process.