Wastewater Treatment: Sensitivity Analysis

Abstract

A comprehensive wastewater treatment plant mathematical model is developed. The model includes primary sedimentation followed by a singlestage activated sludge system for both BOD reduction and nitrification. Primary and waste activated sludges are assumed to be mixed, chemicaly‐conditioned prior to vacuum filtration and the cake incinerated. Capital, materials, and operating and maintenance costs are utilized in arriving at a least cost system design. The sensitivity of the optimum design to selected values of various model constants and effluent constraints is evaluated to establish which variables most significantly affected system design.