ENGINEERING MODELS OF COMBINED CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES

Steady-state models of biological degradation, representative of situa tions found in the treatment of difficult to degrade wastes, are studi ed in conjunction with chemical pretreatment. Multiple reactor configu rations and inhibitory biological kinetic regimes are utilized to stud y a reaction network where a nonbiodegradable compound is chemically o xidized to yield biodegradable intermediates. The simulations show tha t the combined reactor system can achieve higher mineralization effici encies than either reactor alone and demonstrate specific cases and op erating regions where enhancement of mineralization occurs. Optimal op erating regions are identified under given design constraints. Overall efficiency and achievement of process treatment objectives are functi ons of the waste characteristics, kinetic regimes present, and the rea ctor configurations used. A key element in effectively mineralizing th e waste is operation in regions not subject to biomass washout. Pretre atment of inhibitory compounds in the chemical reactor or biomass recy cling can stabilize the bioculture and lead to increased mineralizatio n and a broader range of high-conversion operating regions.