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International Journal of Environment Science and Technology
Center for Environment and Energy Research and Studies (CEERS)
ISSN: 1735-1472 EISSN: 1735-1472
Vol. 11, No. 3, 2014, pp. 571-588
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Bioline Code: st14057
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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International Journal of Environment Science and Technology, Vol. 11, No. 3, 2014, pp. 571-588
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A wastewater treatment using a biofilm airlift suspension reactor with biomass attached to supports: a numerical model
Viotti, P.; Luciano, A.; Mancini, G. & Torretta, V.
Abstract
A mathematical model of the biological process
occurring in a modified biofilm airlift suspension
reactor is presented. When compared with a traditional
wastewater treatment plant, a biofilm airlift suspension
process has major advantages, such as higher oxygen levels
in the bulk fluid and lower space requirements. The limited
volumes obtained with this technique generally do not
allow to reach the high times of contact required for an
efficient removal of nitrogen that normally are characterized
by a slower kinetics than carbonaceous compounds.
To avoid this problem, supports for attached biomass
growth were inserted in the reactor. Both physical and
biological aspects were incorporated into the presented
model to simulate the removal processes of the substrates.
A sensitivity analysis was performed, and the model was
validated using experimental results obtained at a lab-scale
plant. This model can accurately estimate the removal rate
in different boundary conditions providing the details of
the water quality profiles through the reactor and in the
attached biomass. The model thus represents a valid aid for
design purposes and for the management of treatment
plants that use these uncommon reactors. The model also
provides the required hydraulic retention time for a complete
nitrification and the appropriate recirculation ratio.
The results have shown the full-scale applicability of this
treatment due to its efficiencies coupled to the advantages
of its low impact, low space requirement and low sludge
production.
Keywords
Modified biofilm airlift suspension reactor; Attached biomass; Flux model; Biofilm model; Sensitivity analysis; Simultaneous nitrification–denitrification
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