Linear Stability Analysis of Bioconvection in Porous Media: The Effect of Fouling

In this paper, the effect of fouling on the stability of a uniform suspension of gyrotactic motile microorganisms in a fluid saturated porous medium is investigated. Fouling may occur because of the deposition of microorganisms on a porous matrix. This deposition decreases porosity and permeability of the porous medium. Stability analysis carried out in this paper reveals that there is a critical porosity of the porous medium. If the porous medium utilized for this process has a smaller porosity than critical, the uniform suspension of gyrotactic microorganisms is stable and bioconvection does not develop. If the porous medium has lager porosity than critical, the uniform suspension is unstable and bioconvection develops.