EVALUATION OF TEMPERATURE EFFECT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF A FULL SCALE WWTP SIMULATED THROUGH EXTENDED ASM1

Abstract

A simulation model was adapted for the 6th of October wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) located in Cairo, Egypt. The study aims to investigate the effect of variable temperature on treated effluent wastewater with regards to various operational parameters. The temperature in the arid region where the plant is located varies significantly between summer and winter. The simulation model was created using the MATLAB platform and applies Extended Activated Sludge Model No. 1 (ASM1) equations for WWTP modeling. This model reflected the equations of ASM1 with modified Monod kinetics for the dissociation of soluble biodegradable organic substrates into unionized organic substrates to be utilized by aerobic heterotrophs and autotrophs. Model calibration and sensitivity analyses of kinetic parameters were conducted for model validation. A comprehensive study was performed to examine the effect of various operating parameters on the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) at different temperatures using the calibrated model. The operational conditions studied are dissolved oxygen (DO), hydraulic retention time (HRT), and mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS).