Modelling Density Dependent Escherichia Coli in Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

Escherichia coli (E.coli) contamination is a worldwide issue and comprehending its behaviour plays a part in tackling global concerns and attainment of sustainable development goals(SDG6) . SDG6 on clean water and sanitation has not been achieved because water related diseases are still a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide with over 485,000 deaths occurring annually due to diarrhea and E.coli infections (?). E.coli pollution continuously affects both developed and undeveloped countries. Most of the studies on E.coli focus on experimentation and are too costly, more so they require highly skilled man power to combat E.coli. There is still very scanty quantitative knowledge of E. coli dynamics especially using mathematical models. Previous studies on mathematical compartmental models focused on the impact of E. coli in lakes pollution and water sources. There is still limited and scanty information on E. coli dynamics in wastewater treatment plants. More so on E. coli resistance, bacteriophage predation and monod growth. This study aimed at formulating a compartmental model that incorporates resistance, bacteriophage predation and monod growth. The developed model was simulated using inbuilt Runge kutta-45 softwares and results presented graphically. The findings of this study will be used in advancing scientific knowledge, safeguarding the environ- ment, protecting public health and ensuring the safety of water supplies.