New strategies for estimating kinetic parameters in anaerobic wastewater treatment plants

Approaches to mathematical modelling of anaerobic digestion and criteria for reactor design in anaerobic wastewater treatment are based on biological degradation kinetics. Whatever type of kinetics is used, the crucial problem always is reliable parameter estimation. For Monod-type kinetics a concept based on batch and fed-batch techniques is presented, which allows accurate estimation of kenetic parameters V-max and K-s in short-time experiments. Following the method of Optimal Experimental Design, sensitivity analysis is applied to design fed-batch experiments. The paper presents the methodology and results for the anaerobic degradation of acetic acid and discusses further implications of the experimental strategy. Copyright (C) 1996 IAWQ.