Modeling Microbial Kinetics in an Anaerobic Sequencing Batch Reactor: Model Development and Experimental Validation

Anaerobic sequencing batch reactors (ANSBRs) typically have not been used to treat wastewater, possibly because of the potential rapid acidification that may occur with batch feeding of an anaerobic reactor. To investigate ANSBR capabilities, a simulation model was developed and experimentally validated. The model explicitly considers different microbial populations in an anaerobic community, predicts formation and consumption of intermediate products as a function of hydrogen partial pressure, predicts system pH, and considers inhibition caused by pH and hydrogen partial pressure. Simulation model results agreed well with experimental results from three separate tests using a laboratory-scale ANSBR receiving glucose. Experimental and simulation results indicated that, for the same organic loading rate, reactor performance improved with a slower fill cycle. The model may be used to rapidly identify other opportunities to improve the capability of ANSBRs to treat a variety of wastewater types.