| Abstract: | A new mathematical model for n-alkane biodegradation in crude oil, heavy oil and paraffinic mixtures is described. The pattern of n-alkane degradation as a function of the inverse of hydrocarbon chain length reported in this paper can be considered as general behaviour for many aerobic n-alkane biodegradation processes. A new interpretation of n-alkane biodegradation as a function of surface tension, is given. A mathematical expression was obtained starting from the degradation values of n-alkane and relative surface tension, which is a parameter independent of fermentation conditions. An interesting parameter, b, was identified which represented the accelerating conversion factor for n-alkane biodegradation. The findings suggested that the n-alkane biodegradation. The findings suggested that he n-alkane biodegradation rate may be affected by the fermentation condition (agitation, aeration, etc.) and by the strain of microorganism, while the behaviour pattern of n-alkane degradation was essentially linked to the substrate characteristics (molecular structure, molecular weight and density). |
