Multi-scale modelling of bioreactor-separator system for wastewater treatment with two-dimensional activated sludge floc dynamics
Authored by Cristian Picioreanu, Irina D Ofiteru, Micol Bellucci, Vasile Lavric, Thomas P Curtis
Date Published: 2014
DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2013.10.053
Sponsors:
Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO)
Platforms:
MATLAB
Model Documentation:
Other Narrative
Mathematical description
Model Code URLs:
Model code not found
Abstract
A simple ``first generation{''} multi-scale computational model of the
formation of activated sludge flocs at micro-scale and reactor
performance at macro-scale is proposed. The model couples mass balances
for substrates and biomass at reactor scale with an individual-based
approach for the floc morphology, shape and micro-colony development.
Among the novel model processes included are the group
attachment/detachment of micro-flocs to the core structure and the
clustering of nitrifiers. Simulation results qualitatively describe the
formation of micro-colonies of ammonia and nitrite oxidizers and the
extracellular polymeric substance produced by heterotrophic
microorganisms, as typically observed in fluorescence in situ
hybridization images. These results are the first step towards realistic
multi-scale multispecies models of the activated sludge wastewater
treatment systems and a generic modelling strategy that could be
extended to other engineered biological systems. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd.
All rights reserved.
Tags
Limitation
Oxidizing bacteria
Biofilm model
Nitrification