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Parameter-efficient bioclogging model: calibration and comparison with laboratory data

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Abstract

A parameter-efficient bioclogging model coupled with hydrodynamics was developed with a stepwise numerical calculation. Column lab tests were carried out to calibrate and verify the bioclogging model developed in this paper. The results showed that the experimental data fit well with the simulation data, which indicated that the developed model was reasonable. According to the sensitivity analysis of the parameters, the BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) loading rate and deposition coefficient are the key parameters for bioclogging. The results illustrate how the clogging is impacted by changing the BOD loading rate and can predict the biofilm accumulation within the substrate, the microbial saturation along the substrate profile over time, and the biofilter longevity based on the biomass growth. The model could dynamically describe the entire process of biological clogging and could quantitatively predict the amount of biofilm accumulated in the pores with the increasing operation time, which provides a basis for the prediction of biological clogging.

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Funding

This study was financially supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China (51509070) and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (2018B11614).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Water Conservancy and Hydroelectric Power, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, People’s Republic of China

    Guofen Hua, Chenfei Shao & Ying Cheng

  2. College of Harbour, Coastal and Offshore Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, People’s Republic of China

    Jun Kong & Zhongwei Zhao

Authors
  1. Guofen Hua
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  2. Chenfei Shao
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  3. Ying Cheng
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  4. Jun Kong
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  5. Zhongwei Zhao
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Guofen Hua.

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Responsible editor: Marcus Schulz

Highlights

A parameter-efficient bioclogging model coupled with hydrodynamics was developed.

The model could quantitatively predict the amount of biofilm accumulated in the pores.

The BOD loading rate and deposition coefficient are key parameters for bioclogging.

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Hua, G., Shao, C., Cheng, Y. et al. Parameter-efficient bioclogging model: calibration and comparison with laboratory data. Environ Sci Pollut Res 26, 3731–3740 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-3894-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-3894-x

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