Reactor kinetics for submerged aerobic biofilms

Due to water shortage in cities, small wastewater treatment plants are needed and new technologies are demanded. Pilot plant experiments were made to evaluate the performance of a submerged aerobic biofilm system for the treatment of municipal wastewater. Influent flow rates were varied to adjust organic loading rates from 5.2 to 28.8 gCOD/m(2) d. Using COD values, the pilot plant performance was analyzed for kinetics simulation. The Stover-Kincannon and a general variable-order models were used to analyze the data obtained over several months of experimentation. The data showed good correlation with the Stover-Kincannon model but not with the variable-order model. The results lead to a design organic load of 20 gCOD/m(2) d to reach an effluent COD under 50 mg/l.