DYNAMIC MODELLING OF A BIOFILTER USED FOR NITRIFICATION OF DRINKING WATER AT LOW INFLUENT AMMONIA CONCENTRATIONS

This paper reports on the development of a mathematical model of a packed bed biofilter operating at low influent ammonia concentrations. It is initially filled with biomass-free media, the adhesion by filtration of the bacteria present in the groundwater allowing colonization of the filter. The mathematical model is intended for simulation/optimization purposes, and should describe sufficiently well the start-up phase, as well as nominal operation. Unknown model parameters are estimated using experimental data collected on pilot plants. Validation and cross-validation results are discussed.