Kinetic analysis on the two-step processes of AOB and NOB in aerobic nitrifying granules

Complete granulation of nitrifying sludge was achieved in a sequencing batch reactor. For the granular sludge, batch experiments were conducted to characterize the kinetic features of ammonia oxidizers (AOB) and nitrite oxidizers (NOB) in the granules using the respirometric method. A two-step nitrification model was established to determine the kinetic parameters of both AOB and NOB. In addition to nitrification reactions, the new model also took into account biomass maintenance and mass transfer through the granules. The yield coefficient, maximum specific growth rate, and affinity constant for ammonium for AOB were 0.21 g chemical oxygen demand (COD) g(-1) N, 0.09 h(-1), and 9.1 mg N L-1, respectively, whereas the corresponding values for NOB were 0.05 g COD g(-1) N, 0.11 h(-1), and 4.85 mg N L-1, respectively. The model developed in this study performed well in simulating the oxygen uptake rate and nitrogen conversion kinetics and in predicting the oxygen consumption of the AOB and NOB in aerobic granules.