title: Effect of ferrous ion on the biological activity in a UASB reactor: mathematical modeling and verification.
abstract: The effect of ferrous ion on the biological activity in a upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor was studied. A mathematical model was developed and validated in order to simulate the dynamic behavior of a UASB reactor. This model took into consideration of all the biological and physicochemical reactions. The model was able to simulate the accumulation of iron in the sludge bed and its effect on the biological activity of the anaerobic sludge. A significant increase in the maximum uptake rate of methanogens and acidogens was revealed when iron was supplemented to the UASB reactor. The addition of ferrous iron induced a stable and excellent COD conversion rate. The model can be a useful tool for the prediction of process performance in the future and can be used to assist in the operation of biogas plants. The ferrous ion addition proved to enhance the biological activity of UASB sludge. Thus, the model can be used for the design of treatment plants that will take advantage of the benefits of iron addition.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical Engineering Athens, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Heroon Polytechniou Street, Zographou 15700, Greece. avlys@tee.gr
authors.forename: Apostolos
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vlyssides
authors.forename: Elli Maria
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Barampouti
authors.forename: Sofia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mai
mesh_terms: D000693:Anaerobiosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D019149:Bioreactors / Q000382:microbiology; D003198:Computer Simulation; D007501:Iron / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D007501:Iron