A steady-state module for modeling anaerobic biofilm reactors

Abstract

A steady state model of an anaerobic methanogenic biofilm reactor-module that accounts for the biological interactions of four microbial groups, ionic equilibrium in solution, gas-liquid transfer phenomena and biofilm processes is presented. The model consists of a continuous stirred tank reactor type that allocates an inert support material, whose specific surface is taken into account. The biofilm model assumes an homogeneous biofilm of uniform thickness and constant density with no mass transfer resistance. The biofilm detachment process rate is modeled as a second-order function on the biofilm thickness and a first-order function on the mass fraction of the fixed biomass concentration of each microbial group. The balance equations for non-active biomass in liquid and biofilm are included. The model predictions have been satisfactorily compared with steady state experimental data reported in literature from a one-phase methanogenic biofilm system treating an acetic acid-based synthetic effluent, and a two-phase system with combined suspended (acidogenic) and attached (methanogenic) microbial growth treating a food industry wastewater composed by two residual process streams.