A model for the simulation of the SHARON process: pH as a key factor.
The SHARON process allows partial nitrification of wastewaters with high ammonium content and, when coupled with the Anammox process, represents a more sustainable alternative for N-removal than a conventional nitrification-denitrification. In this work, a mathematical model describing a continuously aerated SHARON reactor is presented. Special attention was given to the pH, because it affects substrates availability and inhibition phenomena, implementing an algorithm for its calculation. Since ammonium-oxidizing and nitrite-oxidizing organisms are inhibited by their own substrates, ammonia and nitrous acid respectively, Haldane kinetics was used in both nitrification steps. A preliminary evaluation of the model using historical experimental data generated in a lab-scale SHARON reactor, fed with synthetic substrate, is also presented, corroborating that the quality of the obtained effluent is highly dependent on pH.
Magrí
A
A
GIRO Technological Centre, Rambla Pompeu Fabra 1, E-08100 Mollet del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain.
Corominas
L
L
López
H
H
Campos
E
E
Balaguer
M
M
Colprim
J
J
Flotats
X
X
D000535:Aluminum / Q000378:metabolism; D019149:Bioreactors; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007700:Kinetics; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid / Q000379:methods*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000378:metabolism*; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*
D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D000535:Aluminum