Biomass Distribution and Kinetics of Baffled Lagoons

The quantity of attached biomass in a model anaerobic waste stabilization pond is affected by light penetration, hydraulic flow pattern, baffle configuration, and the submerged surface area. The Marias-Shaw model and the Monod model adequately describe the kinetics of soluble organic carbon removal in a model anaerobic waste stabilization pond. However, the plug-flow model does not adequately represent the kinetics of soluble organic carbon removal. Baffles significantly increase the amount of attached biomass, and at lower hydraulic residence times increase soluble organic carbon removal. With a l.5-day hydraulic residence time, a pond without bafles removes 53% of the soluble organic carbon, while ponds with end-around, over-and-under, and longitudinal baffles remove 60%, 62%, and 70% soluble organic carbon, respectively. Dense scum layers, which often form on baffle ponds, significantly reduces the biodegradation of soluble organic carbon.