scholarly journals A practical protocol for calibration of nutrient removal wastewater treatment models

2011 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 575-595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giorgio Mannina ◽  
Alida Cosenza ◽  
Peter A. Vanrolleghem ◽  
Gaspare Viviani
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Nutrient Removal ◽  
Model Calibration ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Optimal Parameter ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Activated Sludge Model ◽  
Treatment Models ◽  
Glue Method

Activated sludge models can be very useful for designing and managing wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). However, as with every model, they need to be calibrated for correct and reliable application. Activated sludge model calibration is still a crucial point that needs appropriate guidance. Indeed, although calibration protocols have been developed, the model calibration still represents the main bottleneck to modelling. This paper presents a procedure for the calibration of an activated sludge model based on a comprehensive sensitivity analysis and a novel step-wise Monte Carlo-based calibration of the subset of influential parameters. In the proposed procedure the complex calibration issue is tackled both by making a prior screening of the most influential model parameters and by simplifying the problem of finding the optimal parameter set by splitting the estimation task into steps. The key point of the proposed step-wise procedure is that calibration is undertaken for sub-groups of variables instead of solving a complex multi-objective function. Moreover, even with this step-wise approach parameter identifiability issues may occur, but this is dealt with by using the general likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) method, that so far has rarely been used in the field of wastewater modelling. An example from a real case study illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. Particularly, a model was built for the simulation of the nutrient removal in a Bardenpho scheme plant. The model was successfully and efficiently calibrated to a large WWTP in Sicily.

Model Calibration for the High-Purity Oxygen Activated Sludge Process – Algorithm Development and Evaluation

1993 ◽  
Vol 28 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 163-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weibo (Weber) Yuan ◽  
David Okrent ◽  
Michael K. Stenstrom
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
High Purity ◽  
Model Calibration ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Complex Method ◽  
Activated Sludge Process ◽  
Activated Sludge Model ◽  
Kinetic Coefficients ◽  
Calibration Algorithm

A model calibration algorithm is developed for the high-purity oxygen activated sludge process (HPO-ASP). The algorithm is evaluated under different conditions to determine the effect of the following factors on the performance of the algorithm: data quality, number of observations, and number of parameters to be estimated. The process model used in this investigation is the first HPO-ASP model based upon the IAWQ (formerly IAWPRC) Activated Sludge Model No. 1. The objective function is formulated as a relative least-squares function and the non-linear, constrained minimization problem is solved by the Complex method. The stoichiometric and kinetic coefficients of the IAWQ activated sludge model are the parameters focused on in this investigation. Observations used are generated numerically but are made close to the observations from a full-scale high-purity oxygen treatment plant. The calibration algorithm is capable of correctly estimating model parameters even if the observations are severely noise-corrupted. The accuracy of estimation deteriorates gradually with the increase of observation errors. The accuracy of calibration improves when the number of observations (n) increases, but the improvement becomes insignificant when n>96. It is also found that there exists an optimal number of parameters that can be rigorously estimated from a given set of information/data. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to determine what parameters to estimate and to evaluate the potential benefits resulted from collecting additional measurements.

Experiences with computer simulation at two large wastewater treatment plants in northern Poland

2002 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 209-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Makinia ◽  
M. Swinarski ◽  
E. Dobiegala
Keyword(s):  
Computer Simulation ◽  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Nutrient Removal ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Biological Nutrient Removal ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Total N ◽  
Northern Poland ◽  
Model Predictions ◽  
Steady State Simulation

Mathematical modelling and computer simulation have became a useful tool in evaluating the operation of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in terms of nutrient removal capability. In this study, steady-state simulation results for two large biological nutrient removal WWTPs are presented. The plants are located in two neighbouring cities Gdansk and Gdynia in northern Poland. Simulations were performed using a pre-compiled model and layouts (MUCT and Johannesburg processes) implemented in the GPS-X simulation package. The monthly average values of conventional parameters, such as COD, Total Suspended Solids, total N, N-NH4+, P-PO4− were used as input data. The measured effluent concentrations of COD, N-NH4+, N-NO3− and P-PO4− as well as reactor MLSS were compared with model predictions. During calibration, performed from the process engineering perspective, default values of only five model parameters were changed. The opportunities for further applications of such models in municipal WWTPs are discussed.

Model-based evaluation of nitrogen removal in a tannery wastewater treatment plant

2004 ◽  
Vol 50 (6) ◽  
pp. 251-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.S. Moussa ◽  
A.R. Rojas ◽  
C.M. Hooijmans ◽  
H.J. Gijzen ◽  
M.C.M. van Loosdrecht
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Computer Modelling ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Domestic Wastewater ◽  
Plant Performance ◽  
Accurate Estimation ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Biological Tests

Computer modelling has been used in the last 15 years as a powerful tool for understanding the behaviour of activated sludge wastewater treatment systems. However, computer models are mainly applied for domestic wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Application of these types of models to industrial wastewater treatment plants requires a different model structure and an accurate estimation of the kinetics and stoichiometry of the model parameters, which may be different from the ones used for domestic wastewater. Most of these parameters are strongly dependent on the wastewater composition. In this study a modified version of the activated sludge model No. 1 (ASM 1) was used to describe a tannery WWTP. Several biological tests and complementary physical-chemical analyses were performed to characterise the wastewater and sludge composition in the context of activated sludge modelling. The proposed model was calibrated under steady-state conditions and validated under dynamic flow conditions. The model was successfully used to obtain insight into the existing plant performance, possible extension and options for process optimisation. The model illustrated the potential capacity of the plant to achieve full denitrification and to handle a higher hydraulic load. Moreover, the use of a mathematical model as an effective tool in decision making was demonstrated.

scholarly journals The Microbial Database for Danish wastewater treatment plants with nutrient removal (MiDas-DK) – a tool for understanding activated sludge population dynamics and community stability

2013 ◽  
Vol 67 (11) ◽  
pp. 2519-2526 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. T. Mielczarek ◽  
A. M. Saunders ◽  
P. Larsen ◽  
M. Albertsen ◽  
M. Stevenson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Nutrient Removal ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Amplicon Sequencing ◽  
Temporal Variations ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
16S Rrna Amplicon Sequencing ◽  
Specific Factors ◽  
Operational Data

Since 2006 more than 50 Danish full-scale wastewater treatment plants with nutrient removal have been investigated in a project called ‘The Microbial Database for Danish Activated Sludge Wastewater Treatment Plants with Nutrient Removal (MiDas-DK)’. Comprehensive sets of samples have been collected, analyzed and associated with extensive operational data from the plants. The community composition was analyzed by quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) supported by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and deep metagenomics. MiDas-DK has been a powerful tool to study the complex activated sludge ecosystems, and, besides many scientific articles on fundamental issues on mixed communities encompassing nitrifiers, denitrifiers, bacteria involved in P-removal, hydrolysis, fermentation, and foaming, the project has provided results that can be used to optimize the operation of full-scale plants and carry out trouble-shooting. A core microbial community has been defined comprising the majority of microorganisms present in the plants. Time series have been established, providing an overview of temporal variations in the different plants. Interestingly, although most microorganisms were present in all plants, there seemed to be plant-specific factors that controlled the population composition thereby keeping it unique in each plant over time. Statistical analyses of FISH and operational data revealed some correlations, but less than expected. MiDas-DK (www.midasdk.dk) will continue over the next years and we hope the approach can inspire others to make similar projects in other parts of the world to get a more comprehensive understanding of microbial communities in wastewater engineering.

Controlling Activated Sludge Process Using EFOR

1992 ◽  
Vol 26 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 783-790
Author(s):  
J. Pedersen
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Simulation Program ◽  
Activated Sludge Process ◽  
Activated Sludge Model

A newly developed simulation program, based on the Activated Sludge Model No. 1, has been investigated for its controlling abilities. The program is capable of simulating most of the control types which have been applied to wastewater treatment plants. The program was tested on a nitrifying and a denitrifying treatment plant. The results showed that the model makes good simulations of the applied controls.

Performances of three R-AN-D-N wastewater treatment plants in the Czech Republic

2004 ◽  
Vol 50 (7) ◽  
pp. 249-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Bejvl ◽  
P. Matuška ◽  
J. Stara ◽  
P. Chudoba
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Czech Republic ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Nutrient Removal ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Industrial Effluents ◽  
Filamentous Bacteria ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Treated Sewage ◽  
Nutrient Removal Efficiency

The evolution of Czech standards requires higher efficiency of nutrient removal from municipal wastewaters. At the beginning of the last decade of 20th century, a new activated sludge configuration called R-AN-D-N process has been described, successfully tested and now largely used at several wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in the Czech republic. The main feature of the R-AN-D-N process is the introduction of a regeneration zone in sludge recycle, which enables to increase sludge age in the system without any substantial increase in WWTP volume. Performances of three Czech large WWTP with R-AN-D-N configuration have been monitored and compared within a period of one and a half years. The results confirmed excellent nutrient removal efficiency for wastewaters with different proportion between sewage and industrial effluents. Two of three monitored WWTP received wastewaters from breweries (Budweiser and Pilsner Urquell). The settleability of activated sludge from all three WWTP was correct, with SVI values usually ranging from 50 to 150 ml/g. Monitoring of sludge composition indicated proliferation of several filamentous bacteria, particularly types 0581, 0092 and M. parvicella. No severe bulking events were observed. Finally, the operational costs expressed in CZK (Czech crown: 1CZK = €0.0322) per cubic metre of treated sewage or per capita amounts respectively from 2.24 to 6.52, and from 285 to 342.

Modelling of the Secondary Clarifier Combined with the Activated Sludge Model No. 1

1992 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 285-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
René Dupont ◽  
Mogens Henze
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Simple Model ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Activated Sludge Model ◽  
Effluent Quality ◽  
Secondary Clarifier ◽  
Hydraulic Load ◽  
Flux Model

Modelling of activated sludge wastewater treatment plants is today generally based on the Activated Sludge Model No. 1 combined with a very simple model for the secondary settler. This paper describes the development of a model for the secondary clarifier based on the general flux theory for zone settling, which can be used in combination with the Activated Sludge Model to form a dynamic computer model/program for a wastewater treatment plant. In addition to the flux model, the developed model includes a simple model for predicting the contents of paniculate components in the effluent This latter model is a purely empirical model, which connects the effluent quality with the hydraulic load, suspended solids load and the nitrate load. The paper describes the model and gives some basic examples on computer simulations and verification of the model.

Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) regulation of nutrient removal in activated sludge wastewater treatment plants

2002 ◽  
Vol 46 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 35-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Li ◽  
P. Bishop
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Nutrient Removal ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Pilot Scale ◽  
Redox Status ◽  
Organic Substrate ◽  
Microbial Biodegradation ◽  
Scale Experiment ◽  
One Year

Redox potential (ORP) regulation of nutrient removal in aeration tanks was tested for one year in three activated sludge wastewater treatment plants in Cincinnati, OH. The experiment results show a good relationship between ORP values and nutrient removal. Macro-biodegradation and sorption of substrate by activated sludge can significantly increase wastewater ORP, indicating the improvement of redox status of the bulk liquor. DO higher than 1.0 mg/L is necessary for good biodegradation and the improvement of liquid redox status. ORP values at higher temperatures (Twater=20–26°C) were lower than ORP values at lower temperatures (Twater=14–19°C), caused by the lower oxygen saturation capacity in wastewater and the more rapid oxygen consumption by microorganism under warmer conditions. Nitrification occurred at higher ORP values (380 mV) than did organic substrate oxidation (250mV). This verifies that different metabolic processes dominate in different ORP ranges. The pilot-scale experiment results demonstrate that the wastewater ORP values continued to increase throughout the whole 6-hour cycle when the influent COD was higher than 1,000 mg/L. For influent with low COD (40–120 mg/L), the wastewater ORP values did not increase in the second 3 hours of the cycle, during which time the microbial-biodegradation within the activated sludge floc dominated. High DO concentrations (6–8 mg/L) did not help improve the redox status. In fully-aerated wastewater, oxygen deeply penetrated into the activated sludge flocs, and microorganisms biodegraded the substrates within the flocs. Endogenous metabolism predominated.

Modelling of full-scale wastewater treatment plants with different treatment processes using the Activated Sludge Model no. 3

2001 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Wichern ◽  
F. Obenaus ◽  
P. Wulf ◽  
K.-H. Rosenwinkel
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Phosphorus Removal ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Biological Phosphorus Removal ◽  
Activated Sludge Model ◽  
Treatment Processes ◽  
Biological Phosphorus ◽  
P Removal

In 1999 the Activated Sludge Model no. 3 (ASM 3) by the IWA task Group on Mathematical Modeling for Design and Operation of Biological Wastewater Treatment was presented. The model is used for simulation of nitrogen removal. On the basis of a new calibration of the ASM 3 with the easy degradable COD measured by respiration simulation runs of this paper have been done. In 2000 a biological phosphorus removal module by the EAWAG was added to the calibrated version of ASM 3 and is now serving the current requirements for modelling the enhanced biological P-removal. Only little experiences with different load situations of large-scale wastewater treatment plants were made with both new models so far. This article reports the experiences with the simulation and calibration of the biological parameters using ASM 3 and the EAWAG BioP Module. Three different large-scale wastewater treatment plants in Germany with different treatment systems will be discussed (Koblenz: pre-denitrification; Hildesheim: simultaneous denitrification with EBPR; Duderstadt: intermediate denitrification with EBPR). Informations regarding the choice of kinetic and stoichiometric parameters will be given.

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