Calibration of model for the utilization rate of organic and nitrogenated substrates by the microorganism in a sequencing batch reactor

Abstract

AbstractThis paper deals with the calibration of the model for the utilization rate of organic and nitrogenated substrates (URONS) by the microorganisms in a sequencing batch reactor. The URONS model parameterization was carried out using data obtained from two experimental designs (EDs) applied on tannery wastewater (TW), which included as factors: First ED (aeration sequence and cycle duration) reached a COD removal efficiency (RE) between 29% (cycle duration of 6 h) and 48% (cycle duration of 24 h). Second ED (aeration sequence and filling time) obtained COD‐RE (47–51%), NH4‐N–RE (71–91%), and TKN‐RE (50–67%). The URONS model was based on Monod's equation modification. For the first ED, the results of the maximum URONS parameter of 135–946 mg/L·h suggest the organic substrate accumulation due to a possible inhibition of the microorganisms by TW substances such as heavy metals and metal halides. For the second ED, the parameter values resulted negative and varying in the order of −10−2 to −10−4 mg/L·h with respect to for the first ED indicating that a better microorganism performance for URONS occurred in the second ED. For both EDs, the saturation parameter values compared to the effluent substrate concentration suggest that the primary substrate for biodegradation was present in the TW.