Evaluation of IAWQ Activated Sludge Model No. 2 using steady-state data from four full-scale wastewater treatment plants

Several new tools, including the Activated Sludge Model No. 2 (ASM No. 2) developed by the International Association on Water Quality, are becoming available to analyze the nutrient removal capability of existing wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The ASM No. 2 is a potentially inexpensive and effective tool, but its use needs to be evaluated. To solve the differential equations in the model, the computer program Activated Sludge Simulation Program (ASIM 3.0) was used. The model was calibrated using data from the Mauldin Road WWTP, which is a nutrient removal plant. Only 6 of 71 stoichiometric and kinetic parameter values were changed from suggested default values. The stoichiometric and kinetic parameters determined for the Mauldin Road WWTP were then used to develop models for the Lower Reedy, Gilder Creek, and Durbin Creek WWTPs. The calibrated model was subsequently confirmed using separate data sets for each WWTP. The model was successfully calibrated and confirmed at the Lower Reedy WWTP. This plant uses high-speed mechanical surface aerators, and it achieves significant phosphorus removal. It was modeled by specifically considering the flow pattern likely to be created by these aerators. Several options to improve the phosphorus removal capability of the Lower Reedy WWTP were evaluated. The simulation results suggested that phosphorus removal performance could be improved by repositioning the mechanical surface aerators to produce a defined anaerobic zone and by providing dissolved oxygen control. The performance of the Durbin Creek and Gilder Creek WWTPs, which use oxidation ditch processes, could not be fully simulated using the model. Potential reasons for this failure are discussed.