A mathematical approach to predict the solids concentration in anaerobic membrane bioreactos (AnMBR): Evaluation of the volatile solids solubilization

• Published in: Journal of environmental management 2020-10, Vol.271, p.110983-110983, Article 110983
• Main Authors: Giménez, Juan B., Martí, Nuria, Bouzas, Alberto, Ferrer, José, Seco, Aurora
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: AnMBR; Mathematical modelling; Particulates hydrolysis; Solids prediction; Solubilization constant
• ISSN: 0301-4797; 1095-8630
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110983

Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactors (AnMBR) are gaining attention as a suitable approach for sustainable low-strength wastewater treatment, as they bring together the advantages of both anaerobic treatments and membrane bioreactors. However, increasing the sludge retention time (SRT) necessary to favor hydrolysis increases the suspended solids concentration potentially leading to decreased permeate flux. Therefore, the availability of a mathematical approach to predict the solids concentration within an AnMBR can be very useful. In this work, a mathematical model describing the volatile solids concentration within the reactor as a function of the operating parameters and the influent characteristics is developed. The solubilization of organic particulates was clearly influenced by temperature and the SRT, whereas the hydraulic retention time influence was negligible. Furthermore, the activation energy value of about 20 kJ mol−1 confirms the idea that diffusion of hydrolytic enzymes from the bulk solution to the particle surface is the rate-limiting step of hydrolysis. [Display omitted] •Influence of the HRT over the solubilization constant was negligible.•A mathematical approach predicting the solids concentration in AnMBR is presented.•Different influent composition during summer reduced hydrolysis rate.•Longer SRT enhanced the hydrolysis rate of the organic particulate matter.•Solubilization constant dropped by 26% with temperature decrease from 33 to 20 °C.