Model based optimization of nitrogen removal in a full scale activated sludge plant

H. Güçlü Insel, Erdem Görgün, Nazik Artan, Derin Orhon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper evaluates model-based upgrading of an activated sludge plant treating wastewaters of leather tanning industrial district with an average capacity of 13,000 m3/d. Significant impact of temperature changes on biochemical processes, such as nitrification and denitrification were quantified and used in setting the aeration control for process optimization in terms of total nitrogen removal. Model evaluation based upon kinetic and stoichiometric parameters specifically determined for the tannery wastewater, indicated that an intermittent aeration type of an operation strategy was suitable for achieving the required effluent total nitrogen level of 100 mgN/L under all operating conditions at the process temperature range of 21°-C35°C. The simulation study also showed that the nitrification performance of the plant was improved by increasing the aeration intensity. The application of intermittent aeration provided a competitive advantage in meeting the total nitrogen standards, improving the total nitrogen removal to around 60%.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)471-480
Number of pages10
JournalEnvironmental Engineering Science
Volume26
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2009

Keywords

  • Intermittent aeration
  • Leather tanning
  • Modeling
  • Nitrogen removal
  • Process control
  • Process optimization

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