Mathematical model and mechanisms for biofilm wastewater treatment systems

Fundamental theoretical depiction is still lacking on biofilm wastewater treatment systems up to today. A mathematical model of biofilm wastewater treatment systems, taking account of suspended microorganisms and some factors influencing biofilm formation and stabilization, is developed in this paper. By theoretical and numerical analyses, the factors influencing biofilm formation and stabilization, such as the dilution rate, influent organic concentration, detachment and initial inoculum concentration etc, are discussed. Qualitative investigations were carried out and suggestions on industrial applications are then proposed. This paper not only plays an important role in understanding the physical mechanisms of biofilm dynamics, but also has far-reaching implications for industrial practices.