Principles of Mathematical Modeling for PdNA Processes

In wastewater practice, there is an immense lack of knowledge in understanding the precise kinetic role of distinct bacterial populations in the overall kinetic rate of biological processes including denitrification. There is a growing need for more in-depth research to identify the functionalities of denitrifiers, especially under different operational conditions. Additionally, little effort has been devoted to developing a model that simulates all mechanisms of partial denitrification. This gap needs to be filled so that further research and engineering design could be conducted to achieve a systematic perception and optimization of partial denitrification anammox (PDNA) systems. Therefore, this study demonstrates the need for developing a mathematical model that could project all the major potential mechanisms of partial denitrification. This study discusses the development of a comprehensive and novel model that describes nitrite accumulation considering microbial ecological shifts, alternative carbon sources, feast-famine and carbon internalization, COD/N effects in kinetics, etc.