ISSN:
1522-9602
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Mathematics
Notes:
Abstract The transport equation of Kedem and Katchalsky for the flux of ions through a membrane is generalized to demonstrate explicitly the role of impermeant ions in determining its mathematical form. Whereas the Kedem-Katchalsky equation is linear in the salt concentrations in the bathing solutions, the more general equation is bilinear (and symmetric) in the ionic concentrations of the permeant species. The Kedem-Katchalsky flux equation is further generalized to include explicitly a term for ion-exchange in systems having more than a single permeant salt. This additional term is also bilinear (and antisymmetric) in the concentrations of the exchanging ionic species. Flux equations are derived for systems having (1) a single mono-monovalent salt, (2) two mono-monovalent salts and (3) an arbitrary number of salts with no restriction upon the valencies of the ionic components. Since it has no effect upon the form of concentration-dependent terms in the flux equations, coupling to volume flow is neglected.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02465179
