Mathematical Model of Simultaneous Organic Oxidation, Nitrification, and Denitrification in Rotating Biological Contactors

Abstract

Simultaneous organic oxidation and nitrification rates in the RBC are given using a mathematical equation. The equation was derived from a hypothesis stating that intrinsic oxygen uptake rate of the biofilm has a constant value at a fixed temperature , independent of the composition of the aerobic bacteria. Based on this hypothesis, empirical equations are proposed to describe the profile of intrinsic organic oxidation and nitrification rates. Computer simulation of the simultaneous organic oxidation and nitrification was carried out to confirm the empirical equations. The mathematical model of the simultaneous nitrification and denitrification is discussed and was tested by computer simulation.