Model Sensitivity Analysis for Biotrickling Filter Treatment of Graywater Simulant and Waste Gas. II
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 134, Issue 10
Abstract
A detailed sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify key parameters for a biotrickling filter simultaneously treating graywater and waste gas containing ammonia and hydrogen sulfide contaminants. Sampling-based approaches were applied to quantitatively assess the sensitivity of both design and intrinsic model parameters. Specifically, the sensitivity of contaminant removal rates under system conditions was investigated. Results suggested that contaminant removal rates can be substantially improved by increasing the fraction of wetted area in a biotrickling filter. Although recirculation flow rate is insensitive when considering liquid contaminant removal, increasing this parameter improves gas removal efficiency and also increases wetted area within the biotrickling filter. Reactor performance can also be improved by increasing gas and liquid residence times. Contaminant diffusivity through the biofilm is an important parameter and should be accurately assessed. This study differentiated key from insignificant biotrickling filter reactor design parameters for the biotrickling filter and provides guidance for similar research applications.
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Acknowledgments
This research was supported by a grant from NASA through the ALS NSCORT Center, headquartered at Purdue Univ. The first writer was funded by a fellowship from the American Association of University Women.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 134 • Issue 10 • October 2008
Pages: 826 - 834
Copyright
© 2008 ASCE.
History
Received: Nov 9, 2006
Accepted: Nov 1, 2007
Published online: Oct 1, 2008
Published in print: Oct 2008
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