The application of Monod equation to denitrification kinetics description in the moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR)

In this paper, the kinetic constants Vmax and KCOD occurring in the Monod equation, which describe the denitrification process in the moving bed, are determined. For this purpose, a laboratory moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) was used. The filling of the reactor consisted of EvU Perl carriers. The experiment was carried out with an excess of nitrate, and denitrification rate was dependent on the concentration of external organic carbon, which constituted the Brennta Plus preparation. Determination of constants was made by Hofstee–Eadie method, whereby there was obtained: Vmax = 0.78 g NO3−–N/g D.M./day and KCOD = 16.97 g O2/m3. The new Monod equation was verified using MBBR constructed on an industrial scale in wastewater treatment plant in Gronowo Górne (Poland). After joining the MBBR to the technological system and after a period of biomass adaptation, total nitrogen removal efficiency increased from 53.5 to 86.0%. The results of the research have been discussed with several similar researches.