Mathematical model applications of activated sludge

Application of mathematical models in design and operation of biological nutrient removal systems is becoming more important with the legislations getting stricter. Recent developments in computer technology enabled development of computer programs that are able to solve complex models required to describe the processes taking place in activated sludge plants. In this study, several methods for determining COD and nitrogen fractions and kinetic and stoichiometric parameters for domestic wastewaters are evaluated, and wastewater is fractionated using actual plant measurements and results of previous studies in literature. In addition, IWAQ Activated Sludge Model Number 1 (ASM1) is applied to İzmir Güneybatı Wastewater Treatment Plant using Single-sludge Simulation Program (SSSP) as the simulation environment. Default kinetic and stoichiometric parameters offered by IWAQ Task Group are used in simulations. Simulation studies are performed with different COD concentrations to determine plant?s organic capacity. As a result of study, it is shown that the fate of carbonaceous and nitrogenous components of wastewater and MLSS concentration in aeration tanks can be successfully simulated and plant?s response to various conditions can be estimated using ASM1. Keywords: Modeling, ASM1, COD fractionation, SSSP, simulation