PREDICTION OF ORGANIC-CHEMICAL FATES IN BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT SYSTEMS

A coupled mechanism equation and related fate equations provide a basis for estimating organic compound fates from a single or a group of biological wastewater treatment systems. This approach can be used to correct existing treatability data for stripping and sorption processes and, in new treatability experiments, can provide for an indirect measure of the biotransformation rate mechanism. Use of existing data in the proposed equations suggests strong ecological subpopulation control and enzyme regulation effects resulting in major variations in biotransformation rates. Biotransformation rates are the most sensitive parameters in the fate prediction model.