Modelling of bioelectrochemical systems: Biophysicochemical processes and mathematical methods

Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) exhibit the intricacy of physical phenomena and bioelectrochemical processes due to their interdependency on several factors, including the nature of the electrodes, the composition of the electrolyte, the reaction kinetics, reactor configuration, the type of inoculum, the type of substrate, and operating conditions. Overall, the intricacy of these systems makes it challenging to understand optimum operating conditions and reactor configurations to optimize the output of the system. Developing fundamental concept and based on that a mathematical model can help in predicting the system's performance without constructing a physical model well beforehand to reduce the human and economic drudgery. It can be used to simulate the behaviour of real-world systems and thus provide profound knowledge of the systems through careful examination with the right mathematical tools. It can play an essential role in research on BESs, which can help to accelerate these systems' contribution to sustainable development. This chapter overviews various physical phenomena and bioelectrochemical processes involved in BESs with their characteristics and mathematical tools to address these phenomena/processes. This will serve as a reference benchmark for determining which model best suits the specific purpose while modelling any BESs for real-life applications.