Simulation Model of Microbial Interaction Taking Account of Metabolites in Batch Culture Microcosm

Abstract

Differential equations were developed to simulate the dynamics of a batch culture microcosm that was made up of bacteria Pseudomonas putida, protozoa Cyclidium glaucoma and green alga Chlorella vulgaris.
Two different types of equation were examined. One was the equation taking account of metabolites of microbs and the other was the equation not taking account of them. The results of the simulation were compared with the empirical data obtained from subsystems substrate-one species and substrate-two species, and from the microcosm.
It was shown that the differential equations with the variable metabolites and the variable of non-predated bacteria by protozoa corresponded better with empirical data than the equations without. Therefore, it was suggested that promotion and inhibition of microbial growth by each metabolite, and the existence of non-predated bacteria by protozoa were important for the dynamics of a batch culture microcosm.