Water Environment Research最新文献

{"title":"Water quality assessment of rooftop harvested rainwater across different roof types in a semi-arid region of South Africa.","authors":"Vele Livhuwani, Ubomba-Jaswa Eunice, Joshua Nosa Edokpayi","doi":"10.1002/wer.70007","DOIUrl":"10.1002/wer.70007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Uneven distribution of precipitation and climate change have led to water shortages, adversely impacting numerous countries worldwide. Rooftop rainwater harvesting (RWH) has emerged as a crucial method for providing water for domestic uses. However, there are concerns about the quality of rainwater collected from roofs, as it may be contaminated with pollutants such as metals and microbiological pathogens. This study investigates the common roof types used as catchments for rainwater harvesting with the aim of establishing the quality and usefulness of the harvested water resource. Compliant levels of major and trace metals were recorded across various roof types in the three study areas. Metals of concern, such as lead (below detection limit to 0.69 μg/l), arsenic (0.06-0.13 μg/l), and cadmium (0.02-0.13 μg/l), were also within acceptable limits at all study sites. However, the average levels of E. coli detected ranged from 4.32 to 27.97 cfu/100 ml, exceeding the recommended limits set by both the World Health Organization and the South African National Standards. The trace metal levels in water collected from slate roofs were slightly higher than those from other roof types for most of the metals studied. The quality of the water obtained from various roof types indicates it is suitable for all domestic purposes, including drinking after disinfection. No significant differences were observed in the water quality across the different rooftops in the study areas. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Different roofing materials did not significantly affect the quality of the harvested rainwater. Water quality of the harvested rainwater complied with regulatory standards except for microbial water quality parameters. Rainwater can be used for several domestic purposes without treatment except for drinking purposes where it should be treated with a simple point-of-use water treatment system. First flush should be discarded as it impacts greatly on the water quality parameters determined. Rainwater harvesting offers an alternative and supplementary form of water supply in the semi-arid region of South Africa.</p>","PeriodicalId":23621,"journal":{"name":"Water Environment Research","volume":"97 1","pages":"e70007"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11755002/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143024827","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Modeling aerobic granules in continuously flowing wastewater-treatment processes.","authors":"Joshua P Boltz, Bruce E Rittmann","doi":"10.1002/wer.11157","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/wer.11157","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Continuously flowing wastewater-treatment processes can be configured for biological and physical selection to form and retain large biological aggregates (LBAs), along with suspended biomass that contains ordinary biological flocs and biomass that has detached from the LBAs. Suspended biomass and LBAs have different solids residence times (SRTs) and mass-transport resistances. Here, mathematical sub-models that describe metabolic processes, a 1-D biofilm, and spherical carriers that can migrate throughout a wastewater-treatment process were combined to simulate a full-scale demonstration train having anaerobic, anoxic, and oxic zones, as well as side-stream enhanced biological phosphorus removal. Hydrocyclones were utilized for physical selection. Simulation results and experimental observations agreed for soluble chemical oxygen demand, nitrogen, and phosphorus removals, as well as mixed liquor concentration and characteristics. The model outputs demonstrated that suspended biomass was responsible for most of the transformations in the bioreactor, but LBAs contributed importantly to P accumulation as polyphosphate. The simulated LBAs accumulated a higher density of phosphorus-storing bacteria, polyphosphate, and total- and protein-extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), particularly near their core. Protein-EPS accumulated near the substratum because protein-EPS hydrolyzed more slowly than carbohydrate-EPS, while the SRT in each layer increased from the surface layer to the layer adjacent to the LBA core. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Combined models well represented observed solids components in a full-scale demonstration train as A2O with S2EBPR. Simulations described aerobic-granule structure and function consistent with what is known about aerobic granules in BNR processes. Suspended biomass dominated most of the simulated transformation rates, but the LBAs accumulated ~2000 mg P/L as polyphosphosphate. The simulated aerobic granules did not intensify WWT overall but should have improved the net solids-settling characteristics. Aerobic granules had more EPS than the suspended biomass and protein-EPS accumulated inside the LBA by slower hydrolysis kinetics.</p>","PeriodicalId":23621,"journal":{"name":"Water Environment Research","volume":"97 1","pages":"e11157"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143012459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impacts of rapid urbanization on long-term water quality of the peripheral River of Dhaka, Bangladesh.","authors":"Osman Miah, Amit Hasan Anik, Raihan Sorker, Fahmida Parvin, Mashura Shammi, Shafi M Tareq","doi":"10.1002/wer.70000","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/wer.70000","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study was carried out to determine the current state of the physicochemical water quality parameters and the effects of urbanization over 50 years in the peripheral rivers by using primary and secondary data adjacent to Dhaka city. These rivers and waterways had DO levels much below the recommended standard of Bangladesh, and occasionally, they even approached 0. This suggests that the water in these rivers is highly polluted and unfit for aquatic life. For the most part, high rates of pollution also contribute to high BOD readings. Besides, the weighted arithmetic method discovered that the urban rivers have deficient water quality, which requires immediate attention. Compared to the seasonal variations, the water quality is worse in the dry season compared to the wet season. Among all the rivers, the lowest WQI found was 11.89 in the wet season and 123.65 in the dry season. Moreover, the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) calculation was done, with data from 1 to 3797 indicating that most heavy metal data sets are unsuitable for drinking and household uses. The current study found that built-up areas have grown 288%, and the water bodies have declined by 60% over the last 30 years. This study shows that the quality of peripheral river water in Dhaka city hinders the objectives of the SDG 6 Goal: Clean Water and Sanitation. Revitalizing the water supply requires the attention of the city authorities. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Rapid urbanization has made Dhaka one of the least habitable cities, with industrial growth contributing significantly to pollution. DO levels are far below than Bangladesh's standards, sometimes approaching zero, making the water unfit for aquatic life. The study reveals a decline in water quality, especially during the dry season, and WQI indicates extremely low standards. Built-up areas have increased by 288%, while water bodies have decreased by 60% over the past 30 years.</p>","PeriodicalId":23621,"journal":{"name":"Water Environment Research","volume":"97 1","pages":"e70000"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142955834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Groundwater Quality Assessment Model for Water Quality Index: Combining Principal Component Analysis, Entropy Weight Method, and Coefficient of Variation Method for Dimensionality Reduction and Weight Optimization, and Its Application.","authors":"Beibei Zhang, Xin Hu, Bo Li, Pan Wu, Xutao Cai, Ye Luo, Xiangzhao Deng, Mingming Jiang","doi":"10.1002/wer.11155","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/wer.11155","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Groundwater underpins water supply for most of the world's regions, yet its sustainable utilization has been markedly compromised by inappropriate exploitation and a multitude of pollution sources. Water quality evaluation has emerged as an essential strategy to guarantee the optimized utilization and vigilant conservation of water resources. In this study, principal component analysis (PCA), entropy weight method (EWM), coefficient of variation method (CVM), and Water Quality Index (WQI) were used to construct an integrated WQI groundwater quality assessment model that integrates PCA-CVM-EWM for dimensionality reduction and weight optimization. Taking a village in Shandong Province, China, as an example, PCA identified seven evaluation indicators. The CVM-EWM were coupled to calculate comprehensive weights through the principle of minimum information entropy, followed by a comprehensive assessment of groundwater quality based on WQI values. The results indicated that Class III groundwater predominated in the study area, accounting for 74%, with localized pollution present. The hydrochemical type of the groundwater was primarily SO₄·HCO₃-Ca, significantly influenced by human activities. The coefficients of variation for Fe, Mn, and NH₄-N all exceeded 1. Compared to other methods, the optimized WQI model demonstrated superior performance in the selection of evaluative indicators, weight distribution, and comprehensive water quality assessment, showing a distinct advantage for water quality data with numerous hydrochemical indicators and substantial coefficients of variation. The findings provided a scientific reference for diagnosing groundwater quality issues and formulating preventive and control measures. PRACTITIONER POINTS: A comprehensive water quality index evaluation model was constructed. Optimized steps for selecting indicators and assigning weights for the water quality index model. Selection of evaluation indicators based on indicator correlation analysis. The variability of hydrochemical data is considered.</p>","PeriodicalId":23621,"journal":{"name":"Water Environment Research","volume":"96 12","pages":"e11155"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142795184","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Deciphering pollution sources and mechanisms controlling groundwater chemistry in a typical dense agricultural plain on Yungui Plateau.","authors":"Jie Wang, Yong Xiao, Liwei Wang, Yuqing Zhang, Mei Feng, Wenxiang Zhu, Wenchun Yang, Wenchao Shi, Hongjie Yang, Jibin Han, Wenxu Hu, Ning Wang","doi":"10.1002/wer.11156","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/wer.11156","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Groundwater is a critical resource for economic growth and livelihoods in the dense agricultural plains of plateaus. However, contaminations from various sources pose significant threats to groundwater quality. Understanding the sources of groundwater contamination and the mechanisms of hydrochemical control is essential for the sustainable development of agriculturally intensive plains. This research utilizes 23 datasets of groundwater chemical measurements to apply hierarchical clustering analysis, positive matrix factorization, and hydrochemical analysis techniques. Through these methods, the study identifies the sources of groundwater contamination and deciphers the hydrochemical control mechanisms within a representative intensive agricultural plain region of Yungui Plateau. The finds indicate that groundwater in the plain primarily derives from the rainfall occurred in the surrounding mountains. During the long underground flow process, groundwater undergoes water-rock interactions and ion exchanges with various lithological strata, resulting in the formation of distinct hydrochemical types. As it traverses regions influenced by human activities, groundwater encounters varying levels and types of contamination. Consequently, there is a notable variation in groundwater quality across different areas of the plain. Groundwater is dominated by the hydrochemical faces of HCO&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;-Ca type in the southern part of the plain. Groundwater in the piedmont region of this part exhibits the highest quality, acting as the baseline for the overall groundwater quality of the plain. Groundwater in agricultural areas of this part is severely polluted by nitrate-rich agricultural wastewater. In the central urban area, under the control of municipal wastewater discharge and denitrification, groundwater is to some extent polluted by NH&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt; &lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt;. In the northern sector of the plain, groundwater chemistry exhibits greater diversity due to variations in geological strata and exposure to a range of pollution sources. The majority of the regions are contaminated with SO&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt; &lt;sup&gt;2-&lt;/sup&gt; and Cl&lt;sup&gt;-&lt;/sup&gt; and present a predominance of Cl-Na type for groundwater hydrochemical facies. Groundwater at the northernmost end is polluted by NO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; &lt;sup&gt;-&lt;/sup&gt;, NH&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt; &lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt;, and P. In addition, there is also a small amount of groundwater near the lake that is heavily polluted by fertilizers. This study provides valuable insights for the development of sound groundwater management strategies, applicable not only to the current agricultural plain but also to analogous regions worldwide. PRACTITIONER POINTS: This study probed the impact of agricultural pollution on the groundwater hydrochemistry in a cultivated plain. The research pinpointed the origins and contributions of groundwater chemicals in the cultivated agricultural plain. A conceptual model was established to illustrate groundwater chemistry formation in an","PeriodicalId":23621,"journal":{"name":"Water Environment Research","volume":"96 12","pages":"e11156"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142814335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advanced neutralization technique for the treatment of highly acidic wastewater from steel rolling mills of western Rajasthan.","authors":"Shreyansh Tatiya, Shiwangi Maurya, Mohit Pandey, Shantanu Bhattacharya","doi":"10.1002/wer.11158","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/wer.11158","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this study, we developed an economical treatment process for highly acidic effluents from steel rolling mills containing toxic heavy metals. Our method involves a pH-dependent approach using mining waste and hydrated lime. The treatment occurs in two steps: First, metal oxides precipitate at pH 3-3.5 using mining waste, followed by lime precipitation at pH 9-9.5. The process, completed in less than 6 h without heavy machinery, reduces sludge formation by extracting high-purity gypsum, a valuable industrial product. Water quality posttreatment matches local groundwater standards. Compared to conventional methods like common effluent treatment plant (CETP) in Jodhpur, India, our approach reduces operational costs by over 58%. In this study, we also characterized the by-product formed, that is, gypsum using various characterization tools and performed a detailed cost analysis. PRACTITIONER POINTS: A quick, efficient, and economical treatment process for extremely acidic (pH ~ 1) wastewater from steel industries. Stepwise treatment strategy without involving heavy machinery or high manpower. Processed water quality closely resembles groundwater with all the major heavy metals been removed. Sludge quantity reduced by regeneration of pure gypsum (96% purity). Reduced the overall operation cost of effluent treatment by 58%.</p>","PeriodicalId":23621,"journal":{"name":"Water Environment Research","volume":"96 12","pages":"e11158"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142878160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of iodine content on the hydrochemical characteristics and microbial community structure of groundwater in coastal zone: A case study of Bailang River Basin.","authors":"Xiaolong Cao, Qingyu Li, Min Yang, Dilibaer Ruzibake, Jianlei Chen, Shuya Hu","doi":"10.1002/wer.11154","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/wer.11154","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Iodine is an important component of the thyroid gland, producing hormones. Excess iodine can trigger autoimmune thyroid disease. The salt-freshwater interaction zone of the coastal aquifer is affected by seawater intrusion, and the physical and chemical environment is constantly changing. Exploring the characteristics and influencing factors of high-iodine groundwater in coastal areas play an important role in the prevention and control of groundwater pollution. In this study, the hydrochemical characteristics of high-iodine groundwater were analyzed. The interrelationship between the water's chemical components was revealed, and the microbial community composition under different iodine concentration gradients in the groundwater was examined using 16sRNA high-throughput sequencing. The influence of water quality on microbial distribution was also explored. The results showed that the iodine content in the Bailang River Basin ranged from 31 to 1776 μg/L, and the high-iodine groundwater samples accounted for 67.7%, with uneven spatial distribution. Groundwater samples with different iodine concentrations were grouped and compared, and there was no significant difference in the diversity and richness of microbial communities. At the genus level, iodine concentrations were significantly correlated with Sediminibacterium and Thauera. In addition to iodine, nitrates and sulfates also have a significant effect on microbial communities. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Groundwater in the south bank of Laizhou Bay is predominantly alkaline, with uneven spatial distribution of iodine content. As the concentration of iodide increases, the groundwater chemical type tends towards Na-Cl type. The concentration of iodine has little effect on the richness and diversity of microbial communities. The concentrations of sulfate, nitrate, and nitrite also affect the microbial structure and species diversity of groundwater.</p>","PeriodicalId":23621,"journal":{"name":"Water Environment Research","volume":"96 12","pages":"e11154"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142795196","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Removal of Fe²⁺ in coastal aquaculture source water by manganese ores: Batch experiments and breakthrough curve modeling.","authors":"Jianhua Wang, Wenchao Feng, Jian Lu, Jun Wu, Wenxin Cao, Jianbai Zhang, Cui Zhang, Bing Hu, Wensheng Li","doi":"10.1002/wer.11147","DOIUrl":"10.1002/wer.11147","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Excessive Fe²⁺ in coastal aquaculture source water will seriously affect the aquaculture development. This study used manganese sand to investigate the removal potential and mechanism of Fe²⁺ in coastal aquaculture source water by column experiments. The pseudo-first-order kinetic model could better describe Fe²⁺ removal process with R² in the range of 0.9451-0.9911. More than 99.7% of Fe²⁺ could be removed within 120 min while the removal rate (k) was positively affected by low initial concentration of Fe²⁺, high temperature, and low pH. Logistic growth (S-shaped growth) model could better fit the concentration variation of Fe²⁺ in the effluent of the column (R²>0.99). The Fe² breakthrough curve could be fitted by Bohart-Adams, Yoon-Nelson, and Thomas models (R²>0.95). Smooth slices with irregular shapes existed on the surface of manganese sand after the reaction while Fe content increased significantly on the surface of manganese sand after the column experiment. Moreover, FeO (OH) was mainly formed on the surface of manganese sand after the reaction. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Fe²⁺ in coastal aquaculture source water could be removed by manganese ores. The pseudo-first-order kinetic model better described the Fe²⁺ removal process. FeO (OH) was mainly formed on the surface of manganese sand after the reaction.</p>","PeriodicalId":23621,"journal":{"name":"Water Environment Research","volume":"96 11","pages":"e11147"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142547819","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Using off-gas testing to map mixing gradients and audit blower capacity.","authors":"Brock Hodgson, Kenneth Brischke, Branden Cavanaugh, Manel Garrido-Baserba, Elinor S Austin, Diego Rosso","doi":"10.1002/wer.11143","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/wer.11143","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A water resource recovery facility sited in a region at a high elevation has experienced the effects of over-designing its blowers. In this case study, we used off-gas analysis and site-specific power tariffs to quantify actual process loading and air requirements, and we quantitatively evaluated various options for blower replacement or upgrade. Off-gas analysis mapped the oxygen uptake rate at the surface of the tank, suggesting that the tanks were not evenly loaded across their sections. The local cost of energy directly affects the return on the investment calculation and limits the available solutions. The payback of partial or complete blower replacement may not be justified even in the event of excessive aeration, and the sequencing of aeration system improvements including diffuser replacement, process controls, and blower modifications should be evaluated contemporaneously. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Off-gas analysis can be used to evaluate process loading imbalances by mapping the oxygen uptake rate. Alpha factors from off-gas testing are used in process models to evaluate air requirements and blower air demand. Comparative evaluation of blowers must be done considering the net present value of the status quo, upgrades, or replacement.</p>","PeriodicalId":23621,"journal":{"name":"Water Environment Research","volume":"96 11","pages":"e11143"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142629398","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biofilm characterization and dynamic simulation of advanced rope media reactor for the treatment of primary effluent.","authors":"Wudneh A Shewa, Lin Sun, Kevin Bossy, Martha Dagnew","doi":"10.1002/wer.11150","DOIUrl":"10.1002/wer.11150","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Biofilm modeling is inherently complex, often requiring multiple assumptions and simplifications. In biofilm modeling, default or literature-based values in biofilm systems are usually used to estimate biofilm parameters, including boundary layer, biofilm density, thickness, attachment, and detachment rates. This study aimed to characterize and model the biofilm of a specific rope-type fixed media system, removing carbon and total inorganic nitrogen, coupled with sensitivity analysis. Among the five model parameters, the sensitivity analysis of this study showed that boundary layer thickness is the most influential parameter for predicting effluent ammonia and nitrate concentrations, and biofilm density is most sensitive with respect to effluent chemical oxygen demand (COD). The least sensitive parameter is the detachment rate. Based on the calculated mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean squared error (RMSE), the calibrated BioCord fixed-film reactor (BFFR) model accurately predicted effluent ammonium and dissolved oxygen (DO) in the continuously aerated bench-scale reactor (R1) and failed to predict well in the intermittently aerated bench-scale reactor (R2). RMSE values calculated for NH₃-N and DO in R1 are 0.95 and 0.53 mg/L, respectively. In the BioCord pilot plant's case, ammonium-N predicted by the model fit the measured values well, while it overpredicted DO concentrations. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Fixed biofilm BioCord reactors were studied for primary effluent treatment. A methodology was developed to characterize biofilms. Boundary layer thickness is the most influential parameter for predicting effluent ammonia and nitrate concentrations. Biofilm density is the most sensitive parameter with respect to effluent COD. The calibrated BFFR model can predict effluent ammonium, nitrite, and nitrate-nitrogen.</p>","PeriodicalId":23621,"journal":{"name":"Water Environment Research","volume":"96 11","pages":"e11150"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11578940/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142629388","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}