ASM1 dynamic calibration and long-term validation for an intermittently aerated WWTP

Area of Science:

• Environmental Engineering
• Wastewater Treatment Technologies
• Mathematical Modeling in Environmental Science

Background:

• Activated sludge models, particularly ASM1, are crucial for simulating biological wastewater treatment.
• Effective calibration and validation are essential for reliable model application in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) design and operation.
• Dynamic calibration and validation are necessary for accurate long-term simulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a methodology and results for dynamic calibration and validation of ASM1.
• To establish a reference guideline for French designers and operators of WWTPs.
• To assess the suitability of ASM1 for long-term dynamic simulations of biological nutrient removal (BNR).

Main Methods:

• Monitoring a biological nutrient removal (BNR) wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) with intermittent aeration over two years.
• Performing dynamic calibration to determine ASM1 model parameters.
• Conducting long-term validation using a two-month simulation with operational changes.

Main Results:

• Two sets of calibrated ASM1 parameters were obtained and discussed.
• Long-term validation demonstrated satisfactory simulation results despite operational variations.
• Calibration challenges, such as nitrification capacity fluctuations, were identified during extended simulations.

Conclusions:

• While a single, highly confident set of ASM1 parameters was not achieved, the calibration is sufficient for reliable long-term dynamic simulations.
• The study provides valuable insights for WWTP modeling, calibration, and validation practices.
• External factors influencing nitrification capacity highlight areas for further investigation in WWTP modeling.