In this work, a mathematical description of a Microbial Electrolysis Cell (MEC) is proposed, taking into account the global mass balances of the different species in the system and considering that all the involved microorganisms are attached to the anodic biological film. Three main biological reactions are introduced, which were obtained from the solution of partial differential equations describing the spatial distribution of potential and substrate in the biofilm. The simulation of the model was carried out using numerical methods, and the results are discussed.

A robust H ∞ controller has been developed to regulate the chemical oxygen demand in an anaerobic digester from the winery industry. A sensitivity analysis was performed, and the parameter set having the most significant effect on the process behavior was identified. The parameters inducing the most sensitivity in the solutions were selected as uncertain; in addition, they were related to kinetic terms and he hydrodynamic regime. Then, a control problem was formulated as robust regulation, and a controller was designed using H ∞ theory to ensure robust stability. The actions of the H ∞ controller are illustrated through numerical simulations. The controller was found to execute robust regulation facing parametric uncertainties and load disturbances.

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Biochemical and metabolic interpretation of microbial growth is an important topic in bioreactor design. We intend to address valuable information about the relation of critical operation variables and the simulation of bioprocesses with unstructured and structured kinetic models. Process parameters such as nutrient supply, pH, dissolved oxygen, and metabolic end-products directly impact the physiology and metabolism of microorganisms. Changes in the membrane as well as cell viability are of interest since protein expression and maturation in prokaryota are directly related to membrane integrity. This chapter intends to deliver an insight of different alternatives in kinetic modeling.

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