Biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal in membrane bioreactors: model development and parameter estimation

Area of Science:

• Environmental Engineering
• Biotechnology
• Water Treatment

Background:

• Membrane bioreactors (MBR) are widely adopted for wastewater treatment, necessitating accurate mathematical models.
• Existing models often focus on specific aspects like biological processes, soluble microbial products (SMP), or membrane fouling, with limited integration.
• Integrated models coupling biological and physical aspects, especially for phosphorus removal in MBRs, are scarce and complex to calibrate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and calibrate an integrated mathematical model for MBR systems.
• To simultaneously simulate biological phosphorus removal, SMP dynamics, and physical processes including organic matter removal and membrane fouling.
• To address the limitations in modeling complex biological phosphorus removal in MBRs.

Main Methods:

• Development of an integrated mathematical model incorporating biological phosphorus removal, SMP, and physical processes.
• Calibration of the model using experimental data from a UCT-MBR pilot plant.
• Application of a modified calibration protocol to ensure model accuracy.

Main Results:

• The calibrated model demonstrates acceptable correspondence with experimental data.
• The model successfully integrates biological phosphorus removal, SMP formation/degradation, and physical processes.
• The model provides a validated tool for understanding and predicting MBR performance.

Conclusions:

• The developed integrated mathematical model is a valuable tool for MBR design and operation.
• The model enhances the understanding of biological phosphorus removal and fouling in MBR systems.
• Calibration protocols are crucial for the practical application of complex MBR models.