Modeling of Microbially Catalyzed Geochemical Reactions in Aquatic Environments

Microorganisms catalyze most of the natural redox reactions involving carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, and metals. Thus, geochemical models of the distribution and fate of natural and contaminant compounds must include a microbiological component, which requires an understanding of the physiological characteristics of microorganisms that control the rate and extent of microbially- catalyzed reactions. Project objectives are: (1) to quantify the rates of microbial processes that influence the geochemistry of surface-water and ground-water aquifers; (2) to determine the physiological characteristics that control the rate and extent of microbial processes; and (3) to develop mathematical models of the distribution of microbial processes in surface-water and ground- water.

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