Mathematical model for the prediction of the distribution, transport, and fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in activated sludge processes

Thesis/Dissertation · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:5935175

Ko, K B

The major objectives of this research were (1) to develop a compartmental mathematical model which could predict the predominant reactions and transport pathways of priority organic pollutants in an activated sludge treatment plant, and (2) to evaluate the proposed model by simulations and sensitivity analysis, and (3) to organize and develop the mathematical methods needed to design efficient laboratory experiments and analyze data from those experiments. The proposed model consists of five differential equations with seven kinetic parameters and fourteen input variables. Volatilization, biodegradation, adsorption/desorption as well as the convective inputs and outputs are included in the model. The behavior of the model and the methods were studied using anthracene as an example pollutant, because it is distributed between solid, liquid and gaseous compartments. The steady state calculations showed that volatilization (61%) and the removal of primary sludge (33%) are the two major pathways for removal of the anthracene from the system. A sensitivity analysis showed that the influent anthracene concentrations and total suspended solids contents are the most important variables. The volatilization rate constant and adsorption rate constant are the most influential rate constants on the responses. The mathematical model proposed can give plausible predictions of the fate of priority organic pollutants in the system.

• Research Organization: Wisconsin Univ., Madison (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5935175
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Thesis (Ph.D)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
DISTRIBUTION
SLUDGES
PROCESSING
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
AROMATICS
HYDROCARBONS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
520200* - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)
510200 - Environment
Terrestrial- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)
500200 - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)