Biological Wastewater Treatment: Dynamic Global Sensitivity Analysis and Parameter Estimation in a System of Waste Stabilization Ponds

Abstract

In this work, we propose a dynamic mathematical model describing main biochemical processes that take place within wastewater stabilization ponds. Mass balances for main microorganisms, nutrients, dissolved oxygen and biochemical demand of oxygen have been formulated. The wastewater biological treatment system under study is composed of two stages of oxygenated ponds in series. The first stage is aerobic oxygenated and the last one is facultative oxygenated. Global sensitivity analysis has been performed prior to the formulation of a parameter estimation problem, subject to the differential algebraic system describing the biological wastewater treatment system. Experimental data from a fruit juice plant have been collected throughout one year. Numerical results provide a deep insight on the complex relations among microorganisms, nutrients and organic matter concentration in wastewater treatment ponds.