Integrated modelling of two xenobiotic organic compounds

Area of Science:

• Environmental Engineering
• Environmental Chemistry
• Wastewater Treatment

Background:

• Urban wastewater systems face challenges from xenobiotic organic compounds (XOCs).
• Understanding the transport and fate of specific XOCs is crucial for effective management.
• Bisphenol A and pyrene serve as relevant model compounds for XOC research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present a dynamic mathematical model for XOC fate and transport.
• To simulate XOC behavior in a simplified urban wastewater system.
• To compare the impact of dry and wet weather conditions on XOC mass flows.

Main Methods:

• Integrated standardized water process models with sorption and biological degradation.
• Utilized a dynamic mathematical model for simulation.
• Compared simulated mass flows for dry and wet weather scenarios.

Main Results:

• Wet weather conditions, characterized by sediment resuspension, significantly increase downstream pollutant loads.
• The model effectively simulates the fate and transport of bisphenol A and pyrene.
• Differences in mass flow dynamics between dry and wet weather days were quantified.

Conclusions:

• The developed model can elucidate key phenomena regarding XOC origin and fate.
• Sediment resuspension during wet weather is a critical factor influencing XOC levels.
• The model provides valuable insights for urban wastewater management strategies.