Multi-scale modelling of bioreactor-separator system for wastewater treatment with two-dimensional activated sludge floc dynamics.
A simple "first generation" multi-scale computational model of the formation of activated sludge flocs at micro-scale and reactor performance at macro-scale is proposed. The model couples mass balances for substrates and biomass at reactor scale with an individual-based approach for the floc morphology, shape and micro-colony development. Among the novel model processes included are the group attachment/detachment of micro-flocs to the core structure and the clustering of nitrifiers. Simulation results qualitatively describe the formation of micro-colonies of ammonia and nitrite oxidizers and the extracellular polymeric substance produced by heterotrophic microorganisms, as typically observed in fluorescence in situ hybridization images. These results are the first step towards realistic multi-scale multispecies models of the activated sludge wastewater treatment systems and a generic modelling strategy that could be extended to other engineered biological systems.
University Politehnica of Bucharest, Chemical Engineering Department, Polizu 1-7, Bucharest 011061, Romania; Newcastle University, School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Cassie Building, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom. Electronic address: id_ofiteru@webmail.chim.upb.ro.
Irina D
ID
Ofiţeru
Newcastle University, School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Cassie Building, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom.
Micol
M
Bellucci
Delft University of Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC Delft, The Netherlands.
Cristian
C
Picioreanu
University Politehnica of Bucharest, Chemical Engineering Department, Polizu 1-7, Bucharest 011061, Romania.
Vasile
V
Lavric
Newcastle University, School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Cassie Building, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom.
Thomas P
TP
Curtis
D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D018533:Biomass; D001704:Biopolymers / Q000032:analysis; D019149:Bioreactors; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005427:Flocculation; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D007700:Kinetics; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009573:Nitrites / Q000032:analysis; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis; D012722:Sewage / Q000382:microbiology*; D012995:Solubility; D013997:Time Factors; D062065:Wastewater / Q000382:microbiology*; D018508:Water Purification / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*
D001704:Biopolymers; D009573:Nitrites; D052638:Particulate Matter; D012722:Sewage; D062065:Wastewater
Activated sludge floc; Individual based model; Micro-colonies; Multi-scale; Nitrification; Time scale