A Modified Activated Sludge Model No.3 (ASM3) for Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) with an Emphasis for Solids Hydrolysis

Abstract

The previously assumed “inert” organics measured by respirometric method has been reported to be hydrolysable under long sludge retention time (SRT) configuration such as membrane bioreactor(MBR). The sludge production under long SRT has also shown to be lower than the standard activated sludge model (ASM) prediction. The hydrolysis of “inert” organics can provide the extra carbon source for denitrification. The current modeling approach has not yet included this aspect. In this study, a modified ASM3 was developed to account for the hydrolysis of “inert” organics and subsequent effect on the denitrification process under long SRT.