A mathematical model of cell growth and alkane degradation in Wadden Sea sediment suspensions

In a series of 16 experiments, hexadecane in different concentrations was mixed with natural Wadden Sea sediments, and the degradation of the alkane was observed under controlled conditions (bioreactor). The aim of the experiments was to quantify the impact of the dissolved oxygen tension and the initial alkane concentration on degradation time and degradation completeness. A mathematical model was constructed which is able to reproduce reasonably well the observed-time series under all conditions: aerobic and nearly anaerobic, diluted and alkane-saturated. The model contains hypotheses on the chain of reactions; it attempts to bridge existing gaps in the understanding of the degradation process.