Application of computational fluid dynamics to closed-loop bioreactors: II. Simulation of biological phosphorus removal using computational fluid dynamics

Water Environ Res. 2007 Jun;79(6):613-24. doi: 10.2175/106143006x136748.

Abstract

Based on the International Water Association's (London) Activated Sludge Model No. 2 (ASM2), biochemistry rate expressions for general heterotrophs and phosphorus-accumulating organisms (PAOs) were introduced to a previously developed, three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) activated sludge model that characterized the mixing pattern within the outer channel of a full-scale, closed-loop bioreactor. Using acetate as the sole carbon and energy source, CFD simulations for general heterotrophs or PAOs individually agreed well with those of ASM2 for a chemostat with the same operating conditions. Competition between and selection of heterotrophs and PAOs was verified using conventional completely mixed and tanks-in-series models. Then, competition was studied in the CFD model. These results demonstrated that PAOs and heterotrophs can theoretically coexist in a single bioreactor when the oxygen input is appropriate to allow sufficient low-dissolved-oxygen zones to develop.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bioreactors*
  • Computer Simulation*
  • Phosphorus / metabolism*
  • Water Purification

Substances

  • Phosphorus