Sulfate-reduction, sulfide-oxidation and elemental sulfur bioreduction process: modeling and experimental validation.

This study describes the sulfate-reducing (SR) and sulfide-oxidizing (SO) process using Monod-type model with best-fit model parameters both being reported and estimated. The molar ratio of oxygen to sulfide (ROS) significantly affects the kinetics of the SR+SO process. The S(0) is produced by SO step but is later consumed by sulfur-reducing bacteria to lead to "rebound" in sulfide concentration. The model correlated well all experimental data in the present SR+SO tests and the validity of this approach was confirmed by independent sulfur bioreduction tests in four denitrifying sulfide removal (DSR) systems. Modeling results confirm that the ratio of oxygen to sulfide is a key factor for controlling S(0) formation and its bioreduction. Overlooking S(0) bioreduction step would overestimate the yield of S(0).