Analysis of a mathematical model of syntrophic bacteria in a chemostat

Abstract: A mathematical model involving a syntrophic relationship between two populations of bacteria in a continuous culture is proposed. A detailed qualitative analysis is carried out. The local and global stability analysis of the equilibria are performed. We demonstrate, under general assumptions of monotonicity, relevant from an applied point of view, the asymptotic stability of the positive equilibrium point which corresponds to the coexistence of the two bacteria. A syntrophic relationship in the anaerobic digestion process is proposed as a real candidate for this model.