Kinetic parameters for modeling two-step nitrification and denitrification: a case study

The objective of this paper is to identify the importance of kinetic parameters relating to the utilization of nitrite when nitrification and denitrification are modeled as two-step processes. This is an important issue relating to modeling for design and in operation of plants achieving low effluent TN concentrations. A case study using a calibrated model of a full scale plant achieving low effluent TN is used to demonstrate the impacts of key modeling parameters on effluent predictions. The results also demonstrate the importance of full scale plant calibration based on historical data and detailed plant sampling and profiling.