Calibration of kinetic parameters in the IAWQ Activated Sludge Model: a pilot scale experience

The parameters in the mathematical simulation model for the nutrient removal activated sludge process were calibrated by using operational performance data obtained on enhanced biological phosphorus removal activated sludge processes treating urban sewage. By changing five parameters, maximum specific growth rate of nitrifiers, saturation constant of ammonia for nitrifiers, maximum specific hydrolysis rate under anaerobic conditions, maximum specific fermentation rate, and maximum specific polyphosphate accumulation rate of polyphosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs), the process performance was well reproduced by simulation. For the improvement of simulation, inclusion of the formation or presence of soluble COD which is not utilized by PAOs either directly or via fermentation was proposed.