A comprehensive model for the cometabolism of chlorinated solvents

A comprehensive mathematical model was developed was developed to describe the cometabolic of chlorinated solvents at enzymatic level. The major facto rs considered in modelling included not only the utilization of primary sub strate, the cometabolic degradation of chlorinated solvents and microbial g rowth, but also the induction of key enzymes, toxic inactivation , self rec overy and the role of energy. Model simulation was conducted in a batch sys tem for trichloroethylene (TCE) degradation by methanotrophs, with methane as primary substrate and formate as exogenous energy source. Model paramete rs were obtained from published literature. Simulation results indicated th at the primary substrate denominated the key enzyme production, energy supp ly and microbial growth. TCE cometabolism resulted in the activity loss of key enzymes and the consumption of energy in terms of reducing power. The f unction of self-recovery was able to offset the impact of the toxic inactiv ation to some extent. Formate as energy substrate can stimulate TCE biodegr adation by supplying extra reducing power. The results were compared with p henomena reported in literature.