Respirometric estimation of the oxygen consumption in nitrifying and sulfide oxidation bioprocesses

Abstract

The design and optimization of wastewater treatment require information about its characteristics and biokinetic parameters. Specifically, determining the maximum respiration rate (rO2max) and the dissolved oxygen affinity constant (KO2) would enhance the plant’s aeration efficiency. Aeration is crucial in biological processes to ensure the biodegradation of NH4 + and H2 S. The estimation of rO2max and KO2 has commonly been performed by measuring and interpreting the dissolved oxygen concentration under well-defined conditions, known as respirometry. In this study, these parameters were measured using the static respirometry technique (absence of external aeration) for nitrification and sulfide oxidation processes. Additionally, a discussion was presented regarding the error in estimation if an oxygen transfer process (OTR) were present during the experiment.