Modeling the fate and effect of benzalkonium chlorides in a continuous-flow biological nitrogen removal system treating poultry processing wastewater

► The fate and effect of BAC in a continuous-flow BNR system were simulated. ► The model considered BAC adsorption, inhibition, and resistance/biotransformation. ► BAC adsorption determines the level of its inhibitory effect. ► BAC biotransformation determines the extent of exposure of microbial communities. ► BAC inhibition is reduced/eliminated by microbial acclimation and enrichment.