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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
08:13
A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities
Published on: December 25, 2015
Modelling a full scale membrane bioreactor using Activated Sludge Model No.1: challenges and solutions
F Delrue1, J M Choubert, A E Stricker
1Cemagref, UR QELY, F-69336 Lyon Cedex 09, France. florian.delrue@cemagref.fr
Summary
This study calibrated the Activated Sludge Model No. 1 (ASM1) for a full-scale membrane bioreactor (MBR). The model accurately predicted mixed liquor suspended solids despite challenges in wastewater characterization and oxygen transfer calibration.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Wastewater Treatment
Background:
- Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) are advanced wastewater treatment systems.
- Accurate modeling is crucial for optimizing MBR performance.
- The Activated Sludge Model No. 1 (ASM1) is a common tool for simulating biological wastewater treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To calibrate the ASM1 model for a full-scale MBR.
- To investigate the impact of complex aeration systems on model calibration.
- To assess the model's predictive capability for sludge production and quality.
Main Methods:
- Wastewater characterization and fractionation.
- Monitoring of mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) and mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS).
- Calibration and validation of ASM1 parameters, including biomass kinetics and oxygen transfer.
Main Results:
- Wastewater fractionation required adjustment based on sludge production rates.
- MLVSS and MLSS were accurately predicted during calibration and validation.
- Simultaneous nitrification and denitrification due to complex aeration complicated oxygen transfer calibration.
Conclusions:
- A calibrated ASM1 model provided satisfactory results for the MBR.
- Model performance decreased during validation due to changing aeration configurations.
- This study represents the first simulation of a full-scale MBR plant using ASM1.
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