Evaluation of biodegradation kinetics of specific organic constituents at full-scale facilities

Relative Efficacy of Intrinsic and Extant Parameters for Modeling Biodegradation of Synthetic Organic Compounds in Activated Sludge: Steady‐State Systems

“…Likewise, Ellis et al (1996b) observed random variations in the extant parameter values for the degradation of phenol in CMAS-1 (up to twofold for l max and fourfold for K S ) during a 280-day period prior to installation of a selector. Other researchers have also observed variations in parameter values over time in both laboratory-scale (Bielefeldt and Stensel, 1999) and full-scale (Eliosov et al, 2000) systems. Such changes are consistent with long-term changes in community structure that have been observed in continuous bioreactors (Kaewpipat and Grady, 2002;Mackey and Grady, 1988), demonstrating that activated-sludge systems are dynamic even when operated under steady-state conditions.…”

“…To use eqs 11 or 12 to predict SOC concentrations, an accurate estimate of X B , the competent biomass concentration, must be available to allow l max to be calculated and used. Although Magbanua et al (1998b) concluded that X B for a given SOC can be estimated based on the fraction of the feed COD supplied by that SOC, Eliosov et al (2000) found that application of such a procedure can result in unrealistically high values of l max , which would affect predictions based on eqs 11 and 12. The research reported herein was based on the predictions of eqs 14 and 15, which follow from a mass balance on the SOC.…”

“…This, in turn, will require more knowledge about competent biomass concentrations in complex microbial communities like activated sludge. While future research may provide that knowledge, use of the lumped parameter l max ÁX B or calibration periods within which to estimate X B (Eliosov et al, 2000) must be relied on at present.…”

“…While this situation is not ideal, it is better than the predicted values being lower because, in the latter case, they would not have been conservative predictors of performance. Eliosov et al (2000) obtained closer correlations between predicted and measured values, but their protocol required use of a calibration period that adds to the length of study required. When compared with the variability inherent in activated-sludge systems, the level of agreement achieved herein is reasonable.…”

Removal kinetics of acetone and MIBK from a complex industrial wastewater by an acclimatized activated sludge

“…Gaudy et al [6] and Young et al [2] reported many years ago that acetone could be readily biodegraded by conventional activated sludges in laboratory testing. Eliosov et al [7] also investigated acetone removal from two different municipal treatment works activated sludges and found substantial removal. Bhattacharya et al [8] observed that the removal of acetone in a spiked toxic cocktail with other volatile organic compounds (VOC) in a pilot scale-activated sludge system.…”