Sensitivity analysis and uncertainty assessment of a SMBR model

Over the last decade new technologies are emerging even more for wastewater treatment. Among the new technologies, a recent possible solution regards membrane bioreactors (MBRs) that represent a promising alternative to conventional processes. Nowadays, the recurrence to mathematical models as reliable tools in planning as well as management issues is of growing interest in Wastewater Treatment Plants field. Regarding MBR modelling, due to the intrinsic complexity and uncertainty in some processes, basic models that can provide a holistic understanding of the technology at a fundamental level are of great necessity. Many mathematical models have been developed for modelling the MBR which basically combine the activated sludge models with the membrane fouling ones. This paper presents the uncertainty assessment of a mathematical model for the simulation of physicalbiological organic removal. In particular, the uncertainty analysis was carried out using the GLUE procedure. The model was applied to a MBR pilot plant located at the Acqua dei Corsari WWTP (Palermo, IT) where water quality data were gathered. In particular, the MBR pilot plant consists of a lab-scale hollow fibre membrane module in submerged configuration. The results showed that the biological process is influenced mainly by the parameters characterizing the formation and degradation of SMP. Instead, regarding the fouling phenomenon, it is mainly influenced by the backwashing efficiency.