This study examined the laminar mixed convective flow around the lower point of stagnation for a solid sphere with a steady flux of gyrotactic microbial motility, mass and temperature. Biological convection phenomena have been considered in this study due to their intermixing traits and capacity in order to enhance mass transit in numerous biotechnology and biological systems. The first objective of this study is to examine and establish the mathematical formulation comprising partial differential equations for energy, momentum, mass conservation and mobile microorganism conservation balances. To do numerical calculations, the controlling partial differential equations are initially transformed by similarity transformations into a collection of interconnected non-linear ordinary differential equations. These equations are then solved by using the MATLAB Bvp4c scheme. The results indicate that several controlling parameters, particularly bioconvection parameters such as the Lewis number ( Le ), Bioconvection Lewis parameter ( Lb ) and Bioconvection Peclet number ( Pe ), have significant effects on flow transfer rates. A dual solution is observed in a certain region of mixed convection λ , where the mixed convection parameter is within the range of 0.41–0.65. The findings reveal significant results from dual solution analysis, highlighting the occurrence of unstable and stable phenomena for specific values of bioconvection parameters exclusively in the case of opposing flow. The assisting flow demonstrates only a single solution that is physically stable and unique. Observing lower stagnation point flow is essential for predicting and analysing complex fluid–microorganism interactions in various scientific and engineering applications such as designing spherical-shaped microbial fuel cell. Optimising flow conditions can enhance the efficiency of processes like wastewater treatment, where microorganisms play a crucial role in breaking down pollutants.
Read full abstract