title: An integrated mathematical model for chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal in moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBR) including predation and hydrolysis.
abstract: An integrated mathematical model is proposed for modelling a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) for removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) under aerobic conditions. The composite model combines the following: (i) a one-dimensional biofilm model, (ii) a bulk liquid model, and (iii) biological processes in the bulk liquid and biofilm considering the interactions among autotrophic, heterotrophic and predator microorganisms. Depending on the values for the soluble biodegradable COD loading rate (SCLR), the model takes into account a) the hydrolysis of slowly biodegradable compounds in the bulk liquid, and b) the growth of predator microorganisms in the bulk liquid and in the biofilm. The integration of the model and the SCLR allows a general description of the behaviour of COD removal by the MBBR under various conditions. The model is applied for two in-series MBBR wastewater plant from an integrated cellulose and viscose production and accurately describes the experimental concentrations of COD, total suspended solids (TSS), nitrogen and phosphorous obtained during 14 months working at different SCLRs and nutrient dosages. The representation of the microorganism group distribution in the biofilm and in the bulk liquid allow for verification of the presence of predator microorganisms in the second reactor under some operational conditions.
authors.affiliation: SNIACE, Carretera de Ganzo S/N, Torrelavega, 39300, Cantabria, Spain.
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Revilla
authors.affiliation: Green Engineering & Resources Research Group (GER), Department of Chemical and Process & Resources Engineering, ETSIIT, University of Cantabria, Avenida Los Castros s/n, Santander, 39005, Cantabria, Spain.
authors.forename: Berta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Galán
authors.affiliation: Green Engineering & Resources Research Group (GER), Department of Chemical and Process & Resources Engineering, ETSIIT, University of Cantabria, Avenida Los Castros s/n, Santander, 39005, Cantabria, Spain. Electronic address: vigurij@unican.es.
authors.forename: Javier R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Viguri
mesh_terms: D018441:Biofilms; D057919:Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis; D019149:Bioreactors; D006868:Hydrolysis; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid
keywords: Biological treatment; Hydrolysis; Mathematical model; Moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR); Predation; Pulp and viscose wastewater