  A model for the aerobic and anaerobic growth of Escherichia coli (HB101 K12
pGLO) depending on the concentration of oxygen and DOC as substrate has been
developed based on laboratory batch experiments. Using inverse modelling to
obtain optimal sets of parameters, it could be shown that a model based on a
modified double Contois kinetic can predict cell densities, organic carbon
utilisation, oxygen transfer and utilisation rates for a large number of
experiments under aerobic and anaerobic conditions with a single unique set of
parameters.
  The model was extended to describe growth of E. coli in unsaturated porous
media, combining diffusion, phase exchange and microbiological growth.
Experiments in a Hele-Shaw cell, filled with quartz sand, were conducted to
study bacterial growth in the capillary fringe above a saturated porous medium.
Cell density profiles in the Hele-Shaw cell were predicted with the growth
model and the parameters from the batch experiments without any further
calibration. They showed a very good qualitative and quantitative agreement
with cell densities determined from samples taken from the Hele-Shaw cell by
re-suspension and subsequent counting. Thus it could be shown, that it is
possible to successfully transfer growth parameters from batch experiments to
porous media for both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

Cell Behavior