A modeling approach to describe ZVI-based anaerobic system

•A mathematical model was developed to simulate the ZVI-based anaerobic reactor.•Three new processes in the ZVI-based anaerobic system were integrated into the ADM1.•The model is demonstrated to be appropriate to describe the ZVI-based anaerobic system.

Zero-valent iron (ZVI) is increasingly being added into anaerobic reactors to enhance the biological conversion of various less biodegradable pollutants (LBPs). Our study aimed to establish a new structure model based on the Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1 (ADM1) to simulate such a ZVI-based anaerobic reactor. Three new processes, i.e., electron release from ZVI corrosion, H2 formation from ZVI corrosion, and transformation of LBPs, were integrated into ADM1. The established model was calibrated and tested using the experimental data from one published study, and validated using the data from another work. A good relationship between the predicted and measured results indicates that the proposed model was appropriate to describe the performance of the ZVI-based anaerobic system. Our model could provide more precise strategies for the design, development, and application of anaerobic systems especially for treating various LBPs-containing wastewaters.

Graphical abstractDownload high-res image (116KB)Download full-size image