Validation of a new model for the sizing of denitrification reactors, by testing full-scale plants.

A new deterministic model for the calculation of the specific denitrification rate (SDNR), useful for the design of pre-denitrification reactors, was tested on eight full-scale activated sludge plants. The model represents the SDNR at 20°C (SDNR) as a function of the sludge loading in the denitrification reactor (F:M) and the residual dissolved oxygen in the denitrification reactor (DO). The results proved the ability of the model in calculating the SDNR. The model shows a lower degree of adaptability for small-sized plants. SDNR proved to have a strong sensitivity to DO, mainly in correspondence with low DO concentrations (less than 2 mg L). The sensitivity decreases at greater DO values, but with a progressively less marked gradient, up to becoming weak only at DO concentrations greater than 0.4-0.5 mg L, which are rarely found in full-scale plants. DO concentrations measured in real-scale facilities are mostly in the range 0.2-0.4 mg L. These concentrations cause adverse effects on the kinetics of nitrogen removal, and consequently on the denitrification performance. Thus, minimizing DO in the pre-denitrification reactor is relevant. The sensitivity of SDNR to F:M was less important, as it is characterized by a growing linear behaviour with a low slope.