As the study of nonlinear system dynamics and bifurcation theory percolate into applied engineering and biological disciplines, the need for a user friendly, flexible and robust bifurcation analysis software is evident. MATCONT is a MATLAB toolbox with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for the continuation of static and dynamic equilibria of nonlinear systems. This software is relatively recent and has certain advantages over existing continuation software which include its MATLAB foundation, in addition to new features. In this paper, this toolbox is evaluated via a well-studied illustrative example of an ethanol fermentor which shows rich nonlinear behavior. Some computed results are displayed and a discussion of the basic workflow in MATCONT is provided. A few difficulties encountered while studying nonlinear systems with MATCONT are highlighted. Nevertheless, due to its merits and future scope, as is discussed, this software is recommended for bifurcation analysis of nonlinear systems in research as well as in the classroom.

The advent of chaos and the science of nonlinear dynamic systems caused the scientific community to rethink the way it understands nature and its patterns as well as the manner in which engineering systems are modelled, designed, operated and controlled. In chemical and process systems engineering, much progress has been made in understanding the complex nonlinear behavior (multiplicity, oscillations and chaos) of a variety of systems ranging from the ideal lumped model CSTR to the distributed model packed bed reactor; from the type IV FCC units to more complex configurations involving autothermal and reverse flow reactors. Distillation columns and absorbers were studied. Extensive reviews on this subject are available (Elnashaie and Elshishini, 1996; Lee and Chang, 1996; Marquardt and Mönnigmann, 2005; Elnashaie et al., 2006; and Elnashaie and Grace, 2007).

Chemical Engineering Journal, Metal Ions Onto Eggshell Powder, Heavy Metal Contamination, Water Resources, Traditional Treatment Techniques, Aquatic System, Equilibrium Biosorption Data, Biosorption Processes, Biomass Concentration, Biosorption Equilibrium, Biosorption Isotherm, Redlich Peterson Models.