IMPLICATIONS OF THE TASK GROUP MODEL .1. THE EFFECT OF INITIAL SUBSTRATE CONCENTRATION

This paper explores the merit of the task group model to reflect the effect of the initial substrate concentration on the performance of microbial systems, assessed in terms of the effluent soluble COD. In this context, a structural modification is proposed to account for this effect, by incorporating mechanisms responsible for the generation of soluble microbial products, considered residual for the particular operating conditions of the activated sludge systems. Model simulations of a number of practically significant scenarios are performed and evaluated. Reasonably good agreement is depicted between the model outputs and experimental data from previous studies. © 1990.