About the chemostat model with a lateral diffusive compartment

Abstract: We consider the classical chemostat model with an additional compartment connected by pure diffusion, and analyze its asymptotic properties. We investigate conditions under which this spatial structure is beneficial for species survival and yield conversion, compared to single chemostat. Moreover we look for the best structure (volume repartition and diffusion rate) which minimizes the volume required to attain a desired yield conversion. The analysis reveals that configurations with a single tank connected by diffusion to the input stream can be the most efficient.