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Model development and application for surfactant biodegradation in an acclimatising activated sludge system
G Carvalho1, J M Novais, H M Pinheiro
1Centro de Engenharia Biológica e Química, Instituto Superior Técnico, Av Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
Chemosphere
|December 9, 2003
Summary
A new model predicts how activated sludge biodegrades non-ionic surfactants during acclimatisation. This helps optimize wastewater treatment by managing surfactant changes efficiently.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Wastewater Treatment Engineering
Background:
- Activated sludge systems are crucial for wastewater treatment.
- Biodegradation of non-ionic surfactants is essential for effective treatment.
- Sludge acclimatisation to new surfactants is a common challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a predictive model for non-ionic surfactant biodegradation during sludge acclimatisation.
- To investigate the evolution of model parameters during acclimatisation.
- To establish an optimal feeding strategy for sludge pre-acclimatisation.
Main Methods:
- Development of a biodegradation model based on respirometric and titrimetric data.
- Application of the model in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) with ethoxylated surfactants.
- Validation using total organic carbon (TOC) data.
- Development of an acclimatisation model based on key parameter evolution.
Main Results:
- The biodegradation model accurately predicted surfactant removal in successive SBR cycles.
- An acclimatisation model was developed using affinity and inhibition constants.
- An optimal surfactant feeding sequence was determined for pre-acclimatisation over 41 days.
- The model proved useful for economical assessment of treatment strategies.
Conclusions:
- The developed model effectively simulates non-ionic surfactant biodegradation and sludge acclimatisation.
- The acclimatisation model provides a framework for optimizing surfactant feeding strategies.
- This approach offers economic benefits for managing fluctuating wastewater compositions.